Dilemmas encountered by Aeta students in a state university in Central Luzon, Philippines

Aeta is one of the many groups of indigenous people (IP)inhabiting the Philippines particularly the Zambales Aetas of Central Luzon. Interestingly, these IPs have given much importance in formal education until the tertiary level as shown by the increasing number of IP enrollees in colleges and universities. However, Aetas who enter in the higher education institution confront a multitude of problems and issues from personal to social aspects. This article attempts to determine the problems and issues encountered by the Aeta college students in one state university in Central Luzon, Philippines. Researcher-structured survey tool was administered to gather valuable data while focus group discussion and informal interviews were made to validate the survey results. Findings of the study revealed that the major problems and issues encountered by the students are mostly on verbal bullying, fear towards their teachers, language barrier, low self-esteem, and academic pressure. A personality development and formation program, contextualized for the young IPs, is recommended for implementation in the University.