INTRODUCTION: Health status is one of the major determinants of national development, economic prosperity and security. Various efforts have been made by the Philippine government especially the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) to improve the performance of the health sector and to ensure that each Filipino citizen will have access to quality health services. However, in most instances, this does not always hold true. This study describes the health situation of the Aetas of Bayan-Bayanan, Orion, Bataan.
METHODS: Thirteen families participated in the survey on the community dimensions directly related and secondary to health, after informed consent. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were also conducted.
RESULTS: The respondents identified (1) poor access to medicine, (2) lack of stay-in midwife, and (3) lack of trained health personnel within the community as the primary factors that affect the health services. The foremost health status problems encountered are (1) prevalence of respiratory tract infection, (2) poor child bearing practices and (3) diarrhea.
CONCLUSION:The study showed that the indigenous Aeta people hardly receive and have access to health services provided by the main municipality of Orion, Bataan.