CLARK FREEPORT—The ‘Ayta Na’ market, an agriculture-souvenir market especially made for Aeta vendors recently had its grand opening in this Freeport.
Following its soft opening last October 15, 2021, a total of 79 individuals from the Aeta Vendors Association have already been selling local products at a designated area provided by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
During the event, CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan mentioned that the market will help in boosting local tourism here.
“This will hopefully become a tourist attraction dito sa Clark. So maaaring may nawala sa amin in terms of revenue dito sa lease na hindi namin masisingil sa kanila, pero ito naman ay magiging attraction sa ating mga turista kaya babalik pa rin dahil mas maraming turista na ang pupunta sa Clark at pupunta dito,” he added.
CDC Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan was represented by his son, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr. who shared the Chairman’s message.
“I would like to congratulate the CSR Department and all the men and women who made this project into a reality. Finally, our Indigenous People (IPs) will have a sustainable livelihood in order to further improve their living conditions and at the same time have a suitable business enterprise area for them,” Pamintuan said.
Various products available at the Ayta Na market include fresh produce, seafoods, meat products, souvenir items, and plants that came from direct suppliers, sold at lower prices.
Meanwhile, Manila Water Foundation (MWF) – one of the sponsors of the project has put up a handwashing facility within the vicinity of the market.
Other sponsors who supported the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative are Mandasig Farmers Association, Inc., Bambang Multipurpose Cooperative, Tabon San Jose Farmers Association, Inc., Paroba Livelihood and Business Association, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Porac.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), MWF, Clark Water Corporation, Globe Telecom, and Clark Casino Foundation also supported the said initiative.
The Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) also pledged to help in the construction of permanent structures for the modern design of the Ayta Na Market through the PAGCOR heritage funds. Gaerlan also thanked PAGCOR Chairperson Andrea Domingo.
Representatives from partner firms and agencies including DA Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Kristine Evangelista, MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal, MWF Regional Sales Head Jaime Mendoza, Clark Water Corporation General Manager Christina Cruz, and Globe Telecom Cluster Sales Head Alex Amado were also present during the event.
CDC Vice President for Admin and Finance Engr. Mariza Mandocdoc, CDC Vice President for Security Services Group PBGen. Sheldon Jacaban, CDC Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Rommel Narciso, and CDC External Affairs Assistant Manager Ronald Antonio also attended.
Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Spokesperson Ruvelane Margarito also attended the said activity on behalf of Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo. The Ayta Na market is open daily with its wet market section open on Friday to Sunday, and plant section open from Monday to Sunday, including holidays.
