This is a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to describe the health status of the internally displaced Badjao in R. T. Lim Boulevard Cawa-cawa temporary shelter tents, in Tulungatung transitory site, and in Taluksangay and to determine their perception for the planned relocation to Tulungatung and Taluksangay; and to describe their perception on their current situation in the study locales. A sample population of 319 in 3 areas was selected via systematic random sampling. Frequency and percentage distribution was used to analyze data on health status while theme analysis was used to analyzed data on perceptions. A checklist was adapted and modified to gather health status data; an interview guide was used for data gathering on perceptions. The results revealed that the most common health complaints of adults and children were cough and cold followed by fever and diarrhea. One hundred eighty three (183, 57.4 percent) admitted to having a family member who have been unable to perform daily tasks since the disaster. Some 108 (33.9 percent) admitted to having trouble sleeping or having nightmares. Of 57 pregnant women, only 30 (52.6 percent) go for regular prenatal consultation in health center outpost. Only 195 (61.0 percent) were able to eat twice a day. All of the 319 (100.0 percent) admitted having friends and/or relatives they can turn to when they needed help. On the whole, however, only 113 (35.4 percent) of the respondents expressed that their perceived health status was good. The respondents believed that relocation to Tulungatung transitory site and Taluksangay were a threat to their livelihood, owing to safety issues as well as distance from the downtown market and the shoreline. Emergence of health problems, physical living conditions, safety issues, inadequate livelihood and inadequate supply of food were recurring themes on their perception of the current situation in the study areas. In conclusion, there are health needs that are not addressed in the transitory sites for the internally displaced Badjaos. Their perceptions of their current condition as well as the plan for relocation were not positive as well, as manifested in their concerns for safety and livelihood, among others.

Keyword: Health promotion