Title:
Safeguarding
Intangible
Cultural
Heritage:
Traditional Crafts
and Tourism
Products
Based on: UNESCO (2020) -
Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
Practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed through
generations.
Includes traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals,
festive events, and craftsmanship.
•Importance in Tourism
• Enhances cultural identity and strengthens community pride.
• Generates employment and promotes sustainable tourism.
• Offers unique experiences for travelers.
•Overview of Traditional Crafts in Tourism
•Handicrafts and textiles.
•Tourism souvenirs.
•Preservation efforts.
2
3
Handicraf
ts,
Textiles,
and Their
Cultural
Significan
ce 4
• Traditional crafts are handmade
products that reflect a community’s
cultural identity, skills, and
Definition of knowledge passed down through
generations. They often use locally
Traditional available materials and embody the
artistry of indigenous and local
Crafts artisans. These crafts serve as a
tangible representation of intangible
heritage, encompassing various
forms of weaving, carving, pottery,
and other artistic expressions.
5
Examples in the Philippines:
1.T'nalak Weaving (T'boli, South Cotabato) – sacred textile woven from abaca fibers.
[Link] Fabric (Ilocos Region) – handwoven textile known for durability and intricate
patterns.
[Link] (Samar & Mindanao) – woven mats used for sleeping and decoration.
[Link] Weaving (Basilan) – colorful geometric textiles made by the Yakan people.
[Link]ña Weaving (Aklan) – delicate handwoven fabric made from pineapple fibers.
[Link] Weaving (Cordillera & Mindoro Mangyans) – tie-dye weaving technique for
intricate patterns.
[Link] Woodcarving (Palawan) – intricate wood carvings used for rituals and
décor.
[Link] Making (Pampanga) – Christmas lanterns crafted from capiz shells and bamboo
frames.
[Link] Basket Weaving (Mindoro & Palawan) – sturdy, decorative baskets woven from
nito vines.
[Link]’s Blacksmithing (Mindanao, Bicol, Batangas) – handcrafted blades and
tools by local blacksmiths. 6
•Cultural Impact:
•Represents indigenous knowledge
and artistry.
•Supports local artisans and
community-based tourism.
•Helps preserve traditions
threatened by modernization.
Traditiona
l Crafts as
Tourism
Souvenirs
Why Tourists Buy
Handicrafts?
•Authentic cultural experiences.
•Unique, handmade, and locally
sourced products.
•Sustainable and ethical tourism
that supports communities.
9
Popular Philippine Souvenirs:
[Link] from Ifugao – figurines, bulul (rice [Link] Slippers (Bicol & Mindanao) – eco-friendly
god statues). woven slippers from abaca fibers.
[Link] Shell Crafts (Pampanga & Capiz) – lamps, [Link] Bags (Leyte & Samar) – colorful handwoven
chandeliers, and décor. bags from tikog grass.
[Link] Accessories (Palawan & Zamboanga) – [Link] Hats (Ilocos & Bicol) – wide-brimmed sun
jewelry made from South Sea pearls. hats woven from buri palm leaves.
[Link] baskets (Batanes & Cordillera) – [Link] Paper Products (Baguio & Davao) –
practical and decorative use. greeting cards, notebooks, and stationery from recycled
[Link] Tagalog and Filipiniana Dresses – made paper.
from piña and jusi fabrics. [Link] Straws and Utensils (Various Regions) –
[Link] Brassware (Maranao & Maguindanao) eco-friendly dining accessories made from bamboo.
– ornate gongs, betel nut boxes, and décor. [Link] Shell Crafts (Quezon & Palawan) –
[Link] Beadwork (Cordillera) – intricate, colorful decorative items and kitchenware from coconut shells.
jewelry worn by indigenous women. [Link] from Indigenous Materials (Baguio
[Link] Instruments (Cordillera & Mindanao) – & Ilocos) – artistic lighting fixtures made from rattan
handcrafted flutes, kulintang, and gongs. and abaca.
[Link] Embroidery (Laguna) – intricate hand [Link] Paper Mache (Paete, Laguna) – colorful,
embroidery used in Barong Tagalog and gowns. handcrafted paper-mâché figurines.
[Link] Pottery (Mountain Province) – handmade [Link] Accessories (Boracay & Cebu) – necklaces,
earthenware using traditional techniques. bracelets, and keychains made from seashells.
[Link] Fans (Various Regions) – decorative and
functional hand fans made from palm leaves. 10
g and
Sustainin
g
Traditiona
l Crafts in
the
Philippine
Challenges in Preservation:
Decline in traditional craft practitioners due to lack of interest from younger
generations.
Mass production and cheap imitations reducing authenticity.
Lack of financial and institutional support for artisans.
Loss of indigenous knowledge due to globalization and modernization.
Difficulty in sourcing traditional raw materials.
Ways to Safeguard Traditional Crafts:
Government and UNESCO programs promoting cultural heritage.
Training young artisans in traditional techniques through apprenticeship programs.
Community-based tourism projects supporting local crafts.
Raising awareness about the importance of cultural heritage in schools and
communities.
Collaboration between local artisans and modern designers to innovate without
losing authenticity. 12
Conclusion & Discussion
Key Takeaways:
Traditional crafts are essential to
cultural tourism and national identity.
Handicrafts and textiles provide
economic opportunities for
communities.
Preservation efforts must continue to
ensure that these traditions survive for
future generations.
Tourists play a crucial role in
supporting authentic crafts by choosing
handmade, locally made products.
13
Activity for Students
Activity Title: "Creating Your Own Traditional Handicraft
Souvenir"
Objective:
Encourage students to experience traditional crafts firsthand
by making their own souvenir items.
Instructions:
INDIVIDUAL
Select a traditional Philippine craft to create, such as:
Mini woven baskets (Banig, Nito, Tikog weaving)
Paper-mâché figurines (Taka of Paete, Laguna)
Hand-painted keychains or fridge magnets with local designs
Beaded jewelry (inspired by Kalinga or T’boli beadwork)
Mini parols (Pampanga-style Christmas lanterns)
Gather sustainable and locally available materials.
Create the souvenir item.
Present the finished product along with an explanation of its
cultural significance and how it can be marketed to tourists.
Expected Outcome:
Hands-on appreciation of traditional crafts.
Understanding of the effort and skill required to create
handmade souvenirs.
Promotion of sustainable and locally made tourism products.
Thank you
