Market for Aeta Vendors opens in Clark

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) opened a designated area for seventy-nine Aeta vendors where they can sell and exhibit their products, calling the latter “Ayta Na” market, and is set to open officially on November 17, 2021. 

“Ayta na” is a play for the Kapampangan phrase Ayta na! (Ayun na! / There it is!) and Ayta na (referring to the act of preferring Aeta products.) 

Despite the on-going preparations, customers and visitors may visit the agriculture and souvenir market daily, along with buyers looking for plants from the North. Its wet market section opens every Friday and Saturday. 

CDC’s External Affairs Division (EAD) partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for direct suppliers coming from different parts of the province.

Photo credits: Menchie Nogoy

Available products are fresh produce and souvenir items crafted by Indigenous Peoples (IP), including fruits and vegetables from Arayat and Porac, Pampanga, seafood from Candaba and Sasmuan, Pampanga, delicacies and desserts from Candaba, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac, while plants are brought down all the way from Baguio City.

IP vendors have undergone training at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure the quality and right pricing of perishable products.

The 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 that would benefit from the livelihood initiative once it formally opens.