User:Terriethomas/Sandbox/phil3

3. Writing to Request Records

 * NOTE: All lines of the international delivery address should appear in all capital letters. If possible, the address should have no more than five lines. For more information see USPS International Mail Manual.

Unless you know your ancestor was of another religion, begin by searching Catholic Church records.

The Province of Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region is in the Diocese of Bangued. Write or telephone to inquire whether the diocese holds the parish records:


 * BISHOP OF BANGUED
 * BISHOP'S HOUSE
 * '''2800 BANGUED
 * ABRA
 * PHILIPPINES

Tel.: (63 74) 752-8040 Fax: (63 74) 752-8028 Email: rcbbabra@hotmail.com

Or you may want to write directly to the parish using the Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) city list to search for parish addresses.
 * Use the address below as a template:


 * REVEREND FATHER
 * (NAME OF PARISH)
 * '''(postal code--find it here) (CITY)
 * ABRA
 * PHILIPPINES


 * Follow these steps for more detailed instructions using the parish table and map on the Parish list for the Diocese of Bangued page:
 * Find the city you are researching in the left column of the parish table.
 * Straight across in the right column will be the name of the parish.
 * Click on the location symbol placed after the name of the parish.
 * Copy the parish name and address which will appear on the map above the table.
 * Click Zip Codes of Abra Province to find the zip code for the city.


 * Example of Parish Address:


 * REVEREND FATHER
 * CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING PARISH
 * 2815 BOLINEY
 * ABRA
 * PHILIPPINES

For other religions, Google the denomination and the location. Many churches maintain websites.

Write or personally visit the parish or church. Ask for permission to study their records or make arrangements for them to search for you. It is usual to pay for their help in the form of a donation to the church. When you write, send the following:


 * Full name and the gender of the person sought.
 * Names of the parents, if known.
 * Approximate date and place of the event.
 * Your relationship to the person.
 * Reason for the request (family history, medical, etc.).
 * Request for a photocopy of the complete original record.
 * Check or cash for the search fee (usually about $10.00).

English is the official language of the Philippines. The Letter Writing Guide will help you with organizing your letter and phrasing your requests.