Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently opened “Ayta Na” market, where seventy-nine Aeta vendors showcase and sell produce and souvenir items.
Ayta Na, which had its soft opening last October 15, is set to have a grand opening on November 17.
Some of the products that are available in the area are fresh produce and souvenir items crafted by Indigenous Peoples (IP), fruits and vegetables from Arayat, and Porac, Pampanga, seafood from Candaba and Sasmuan, Pampanga, delicacies and desserts from Candaba, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac, and plants from Baguio City.
CDC’s External Affairs Division (EAD) partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for direct suppliers coming from various areas in the province.
According to CDC Capacity Building Officer Lycia Marzan, the IP vendors have undergone training at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure the quality and right pricing of perishable products.
Ayta Na market is open daily. The wet market is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a plants section, where plantitos and plantitas can check out a wide variety of plants in offer. These are available from Monday through Sunday, including holidays.
The Ayta Na initiative is part of CDC-EAD Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs dedicated to helping the Aeta communities near Clark Freeport. CDC hopes to assist more IP vendors with Ayta Na once it formally opens on November 17, 2021.
