National Living Treasures: Teofilo Garcia

Teofilo Garcia, a farmer and master artisan from San Quintin, Abra, is known for his distinctive tabungaw, a traditional Filipino gourd hat that serves as a practical and elegant headpiece. Whenever he leaves his farm, he proudly wears his creation, drawing attention from people in nearby towns like Sta. Maria, Vigan, and even as far as Laoag. The tabungaw is crafted from a hollowed-out native gourd, polished and varnished to a bright orange sheen for weather resistance. The inside is lined with finely woven rattan, and the brim features a subtle bamboo weave for added detail.

Teofilo’s pride in wearing his tabungaw has led to numerous orders. Through word of mouth, his participation in local harvest festivals, and agricultural fairs, more people have discovered the tabungaw as a durable and stylish alternative to modern headgear. Many have visited his home to order their own, using them as gifts or showcasing them as examples of Filipino craftsmanship. A well-made tabungaw can last three to four generations, and Teofilo’s creations are among the finest. They are so sturdy that most farmers, including Teofilo and his son, only need one in their lifetime.

Although Teofilo has been a master artisan since learning the craft from his grandfather at 15, farming remains his primary occupation. He spends most of the year tending his land to support his family and send his five children to school. During the off-season, he dedicates time to planting upo (gourd) and crafting tabungaw. The process, from planting and harvesting the gourd to refining rattan and weaving bamboo accents, is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It takes at least seven days to complete one tabungaw, assuming all materials are ready. Teofilo uses simple, self-designed tools and is involved in every stage of production.

The craft demands significant personal effort, as Teofilo must source and prepare all materials himself. He has declined large orders due to a lack of skilled helpers, fearing the art might die with him. His output is also limited by the gourd harvest; in a good year, he can produce up to 100 pieces. Inspired by growing demand, he plans to expand his gourd farming area. His increased visibility is partly due to local agricultural fairs, where he showcases his work annually.

Teofilo has continuously innovated since learning the craft. Each tabungaw reflects years of study and experimentation. Initially, he used nito (vine trimmings) for decoration, but after losing his supplier, he turned to locally available bamboo, applying his basket-weaving skills. He has developed a deep understanding of materials, experimenting to determine which gourd varieties resist decay and which rattan species are unsuitable due to lack of flexibility. However, finding new gourd varieties has been challenging without access to a plant database.

Teofilo wishes he could delegate some tasks to focus on the technical aspects of production, but it’s difficult to find others with his level of skill and intuition. He laments the lack of interest in tabungaw-making, despite its export potential. Now that his children are grown, he hopes to teach others and explore new designs inspired by his travels. He continues to innovate, developing patterns and improving colorfastness to ensure the tabungaw withstands various weather conditions. Even after decades, Teofilo remains dedicated to perfecting his craft, striving to create the ideal tabungaw.