Badjao Tribe has been the subject of several studies before, mainly because of their unique culture and traditions. By 20th century, however, they have started to migrate away from their sea boat nomadic lifestyle to live on lands. This residential shift likely entailed several life adjustments and adaptation including their health belief. This study was designed to describe the current health concept of the land-based Badjao Tribe in the Municipality of Sibutu, Province of Tawi- Tawi. Understanding their concept of health may help minimize the cultural barriers existing between health providers and the Badjao patient, thus making the health care service delivery more sensitive. The respondents of this study were Badjao people living in 3 different Barangays in Sibutu Municipality. This research study utilized a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach in gathering data. The individual interview was done using a researcher administered open-ended questionnaire, which was also used for focus group discussion. A 3-week direct observation were likewise done. The Badjaos believe that health is the absence of body pain and freedom from any diseases while illness was defined as being unhealthy. Fever and pain were the primary symptoms suggestive of illness. Staying clean and eating healthy foods are their ways of staying healthy. Health- seeking practices of Badjaos in this study showed a growing shift from using traditional mode of treating illness to using modern medical interventions. Though they still believe in some traditional healing methods, giving over-the-counter drugs bought from a sari-sari store is their current preferred choice of treating sickness. The study concludes that Badjao people in Sibutu, Tawi- Tawi are now undergoing change in their health-seeking behaviour and are receptive to change contrary to findings of other Badjao studies conducted in other localities. They are now adapting to their current land living condition taking advantage of the accessible health resources in their area.

Keyword: Health concept of Bajao tribe