Tiwi Pottery

Tiwi Pottery in Albay, Philippines, is a heritage craft destination where local artisans make terracotta ceramic jars and traditional clay pots. The town of Tiwi is known as the pottery center of the Bicol Region, with a ceramic tradition that is believed to have started even before the arrival of the Spaniards. The craft is centered in Barangay Putsan, a coastal village rich in red clay and feldspar, the basic materials for pottery making.

At the Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center, also called PhilCeramics, visitors can watch potters at work and see how local clay is processed into glistening material ready for shaping. The center was established with government funds to support the centuries-old pottery industry and has been identified by the Department of Tourism as a tourist destination. Potters create dozens of pieces a day, from elegant vases and decorative items to large jars and traditional cooking pots.

Traditional potters still practice the old ways, drying clay and molded pots under the sun and baking them by burning piles of hay and chaff in their yards. Many households in Putsan are involved in pottery, with some using modern facilities while others stick to traditional methods. The peak season for the industry runs from December to March.

Visitors can try their hand at pottery-making, from molding and shaping to painting a finished piece, often for a small fee during festivals or lessons at PhilCeramics. The town also celebrates the Coron Festival every August, a celebration of pottery heritage with live demonstrations, street dancing, and cultural activities. Whether for shopping, learning, or simply watching artisans at work, Tiwi Pottery offers a hands-on look at one of Bicol's most enduring traditions.