13 July 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, in coordination with Philippine Trade Representative Jose Ma. Dinsay, welcomed the Philippine delegation to the 2015 International Folk Art Market (IFAM) on July 06 at the Consulate General grounds. 

The Philippine Delegation is headed by Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Board of Trustees Secretary Atty. Tanya Karina Lat.

NTFP refers to all biological materials other than timber that are extracted from forests for human use. It is also a regional organization. NTFP-EP Philippines is a network of non-government organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations working towards the empowerment of forest-dependent communities to strengthen, develop and promote non-timber forest products (NTFP)-based forest management strategies that are sustainable, culturally-appropriate and gender responsive. NTFP has 15 partners working in 13 provinces throughout the Philippines.

The CustomMade Crafts Center Inc. (CMCC) is an initiative of NTFP-EP Philippines to expand the market for indigenous and rural crafts in the Philippines. CMCC advocates fair trade and environmentally sustainable production practices. Its aim is to create a regular source of livelihood for forest dependent communities and to support the continuation of their traditional arts. This is the reason why it continues to identify markets for Philippine crafts such as the IFAM.

The IFAM, which expects to draw 20,000 visitors, will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico from July 10 to 12. IFAM is touted to be the largest and most prestigious folk art market in the world, bringing together artisans from different countries and providing the venue to show their handmade masterworks drawn from old traditions and cultures. The crafts and products are chosen by a selection committee composed of folk art curators, collectors and experts.

This is the second year that the NTFP and its marketing arm, CMCC, are participating in the IFAM.

This year, two new traditions are being introduced, the Piña, considered to be the “queen of Philippine fabrics,’ and the Tingkep from Palawan. The tingkep is a special basket of the Pala’wan tribe used for practical and spiritual purposes.

The featured artists are T’boli tribe, T’nalak master weaver Ms. Bernadeth Ofong from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and Piña artist, Ms. Anna India Dela Cruz-Legazpi from Kalibo, Aklan, who are all part of the Philippine delegation exhibiting their masterworks at IFAM. The Philippines will be featuring six folk art traditions:

The piňa weaves of Kalibo, Aklan;

The t’nalak of the T’boli of Lake Sebu;

The tingkep baskets of the Pala’wan tribe of Palawan;

The hinabol of the Higaonon of Imapasug-ong, Bukidnon;

The geometric waves of the Yakan tribe of Zamboanga and Basilan; and,

The tapis of the Kalinga tribe.

Also part of the delegation is Mr. Andres Isabelo Roberto Y Moran, who presented the prospects of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo as a creative city, folk art hub, and showcase of heritage conservation.

More than a selling mission, IFAM provides an opportunity for indigenous weavers and folk artists all over the world to promote their products, meet prospective buyers, and open more markets. Through its participation in IFAM, NTFP-EP aims to open doors for other Philippine weavers and artisans in succeeding years, as well as revitalize interest and generate demand for hand-woven textile in the Philippines, in order to bring more attention and support for the indigenous people of the country. END