CLARK FREEPORT— Seventy-nine Aeta vendors were given an opportunity by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to have a designated area where they can sell and exhibit their own products dubbed as the “Ayta Na” market located at a commercial area inside this Freeport.
The agriculture and souvenir market had its soft opening on October 15, 2021, and is currently operating. Preparations are now being made for its grand opening set on November 17, 2021.
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.
The ‘Ayta Na’ market is open daily. Its wet market section is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Meanwhile, plant lovers will have a variety of plants to choose from. These are available from Monday through Sunday, including holidays.
The said initiative is part of CDC-EAD Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs dedicated to helping the Aeta communities near this Freeport.
CDC hopes to assist more IP vendors that would benefit from the aforementioned livelihood initiative once it formally opens on November 17, 2021.