aetas

The Aeta, also referred to as Ayta by some communities, are an indigenous ethnic group of the Philippines. They are among the archipelago’s earliest residents, traditionally inhabiting the forested uplands of Luzon. The Aeta comprise a number of distinct communities and subgroups dispersed mainly in central and northern Luzon, including areas in Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, and Tarlac, with smaller groups in adjacent provinces. They are recognized as Indigenous Peoples under Philippine law.

Historically, many Aeta lived as hunter-gatherers and swidden agriculturalists, relying on forest resources for food, medicine, and materials. They are known for their intimate knowledge of local flora and fauna, and for forest-based livelihoods such as hunting, gathering edible plants, honey collection, and small-scale farming in some groups. Contact with lowland agricultural groups, trade, and later colonial influence brought new tools, crops, and religious beliefs, while some communities maintained traditional practices.

Culture and social life vary among subgroups but commonly feature strong community ties, kinship networks, and oral traditions. Traditional music and dances accompany rituals and ceremonies; craftwork includes beadwork and basketry. Historically, some Aeta practiced tattooing and body ornamentation, though these practices have declined in many communities. Many speak local lingua francas and their own Ayta languages, while fluency in Filipino or Tagalog is common.

Language and cultural preservation face challenges from land loss, displacement, and poverty. The Aeta, like other Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, have legal protections under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997, which recognizes their rights to ancestral domains and self-determination. Development projects, mining, and agricultural expansion have at times led to tensions over land and resources. Various government and non-government programs aim to support health, education, and preservation of cultural heritage while promoting sustainable livelihoods.