Saint Mary’s University (SMU), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry – Nueva Vizcaya (DTI-Nueva Vizcaya), hosted HABI-TAT: Artisan Trade Fair on October 8–9, 2026. Organized by the School of Accountancy and Business (SAB) alongside the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center (CEIPSC), the two-day event celebrated Indigenous Peoples and Museum Month under the theme “Honoring Indigenous Lifeways: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”

Uplifting Local MSMEs

The trade fair provided local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—including Indigenous-owned businesses and community artisans—a direct market within the campus. The initiative showcased homegrown provincial brands while offering SMU business students a firsthand look at responsible, culturally respectful entrepreneurship in action.

Hands-On Beading Workshop

On October 8, Humanities students attended a Beading Handicrafts Workshop led by Ms. Myrna Aban, Ms. Caroline Aban Fereraz, and Ms. Febelyn Dugay Aban of Aban Handicrafts (Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya). Guided by the artisans, participants crafted their own beaded pieces, learned pattern selection, and discussed how traditional craft supports local family livelihoods.

Marians Try Their Hand at the Loom

The following day, Ms. Ferlita Erasquin and Ms. Celia Erasquin of Runruno Retro Loom Weaving Services conducted a live weaving demonstration. Students and faculty stepped up to the loom to weave threads under expert guidance, gaining a hands-on appreciation for the skill, rhythm, and cultural heritage behind traditional loom weaving.

Bridging Heritage and Enterprise

Coordinated by Ms. Mikaela Arantxa R. Nuestro and Mrs. Claire L. Guinomon, HABI-TAT successfully united academia, government, and local artisans. By pairing a commercial trade fair with interactive cultural workshops, SMU reaffirmed its commitment to experiential learning, community engagement, and sustainable enterprise.

SDGs: 4 Quality Education | 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth | 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities | 17 Partnerships for the Goals