The main objective of this study is to describe the beliefs and practices of Sama People of Sibutu during the prenatal, delivery and post-partum periods. This research sought to answer the questions: what are the birthing beliefs and practices among the Sama residents of Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi? Do the birthing skills of the government midwives in the Sibutu conformed to the DOH prescribed standards? Are there common birthing practices that can be adopted for both home based and facility based deliveries? Using cross-sectional study design with qualitative and quantitative aspects and purposive sampling, the respondents were pregnant and post-partum women, mothers of reproductive age, local health workers and traditional birth atendants known as the pandays. The results showed that fifty-six percent (56%) of the women respondents preferred home as place of delivery. About fifty-five percent(55%) said that home based delivery guarded their privacy, provided comfortand they are confident due to the presence of trusted local birth attendants, the pandays. Fifty-percent (50%) said the cost of home-base isaffordable. Seventy-eight(78%) of the pandays said that pregnant women trusted them in terms of birthing services. Panday services included the use of tawal or incantations (100%),ritual baths (94%) and the use of different plants or things (6%) to protect the mother and baby against the harm of the shaytan (evil spirits). Assessment results of the skills of the government trained midwives revealed that they achieved the mean score of 40 or 90.7%. Passing score is 39 or above which is equal to or above 90%. Assessmentof the pandays using the same assessment tool for the miwdwives showed that there are ten (10) birthing standard procedures being practiced by the pandays.This study concluded that home based delivery is preferred due primarily to guarded privacy, comfort, trust with the panday during delivery and the low cost of birthing services compared to facility based delivery. The majority of the government midwives birthing skills are within the birthing standards of the Department of Health. There are some of traditional birthing practices of the pandays that are considered standards in birthing procedures of the health facility.

Keyword: Birthing beliefs and practices Sama of Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi