Pasig launches ‘Ortigas Market’ food hub

Pasig City opened Ortigas Market last October 1, a community food hub offering healthy, local foods and finds in Ortigas Center.

The project was started by the local government, Barangay San Antonio, the Ortigas Center Association Inc., the farm-to-table platform "Mayani," and Direct to Consumer (DTC) Promos Inc., a marketing communication agency.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Barangay San Antonio Chairman Thomas Raymond Lising, and city councilors attended the launching of Ortigas Market at F. Ortigas Road (Emerald Avenue) in Ortigas Center.

It is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lives up to its promise as a place “where community hunger is satisfied.”

Food enthusiasts went to the avenue to try the food offered by the market’s 33 stalls, ranging from full-serving meals, sweet and savory snacks, and desserts on Saturday.

With many food options to choose from, the market aims for a “diversity of flavors in harmony with the city’s own culture and delicacies.”

Fresh produce can also be bought at the market.

The establishment of Ortigas Market primarily revolves around “community building,” as it aimed to become a space for local businesses to thrive.

In August, they opened the call for entrepreneurs who wished to join and install their food stalls in the market.

The open-air, interactive aspect of the market also entices customers and visitors to “discover and connect with the businesses as they enjoy the freshly prepared food.”

Pasig residents who wish to buy from the market may avail of a 10 percent discount from the stalls.

The new Saturday attraction adds to the growing list of weekend activities offered at Emerald Avenue.

Every weekend, from 6 a.m. on Saturday to 9 p.m. on Sunday, the avenue is unpassable to vehicular activity as part of the city’s People’s Street initiative.

As such, many activities such as bazaars are installed, and zumba sessions and bike lessons are conducted on the road.

The People’s Street project aims to maximize the city’s limited open spaces for leisure and recreation for residents, without the troubles and dangers brought by wrestling with vehicles.