User:Terriethomas/Sandbox/phil

3. Writing to Request Records
Unless you know your ancestor was of another religion, begin by searching Catholic records. Abra Province is in the Diocese of Bangued. Write or telephone to inquire whether the diocese holds the parish records:
 * Bishop of Bangued
 * Bishop's House
 * Bangued 2800 Abra, Philippines

Tel.: (63 74) 752-8040 Fax: (63 74) 752-8028 e-mail: rcbbabra@mozcom.com Or write directly or call the parish. See The Catholic Directory for addresses and telephone numbers for parishes. For other religions, Google the denomination and the location. Many churches maintain websites.

Write, call, 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.

3. Writing to Request Records
Begin by searching Catholic records unless you know your ancestor was of another religion. Search The Catholic Directory for the addresses and telephone numbers (if available) of the Catholic churches in the Philippines. Write or telephone directly to inquire whether the diocese holds the parish records. Use the address below as an example:

Diocese of (name) Bishop's Residence Bishop's Residence (City), (postal code--find it here), (Province) Philippines

Or write directly to the parish using the example below:

Parish Priest (name of parish) (City), (postal code--find it here), (Province) Philippines

There are three methods available to effectively search The Catholic Directory website:

1. Follow these steps to search by Regions.
 * Click the link and the Catholic Churches by Location page will appear.
 * Using the scroll bar on the right side of the page, scroll down to until you reach the section Browse Philippines Members.
 * Select one of the Regions listed to access the addresses and phone numbers (if available) of the churches in that area.

2. Follow these steps to search by Parish or Diocese.
 * Click the link and the Catholic Churches in Philippines page will appear.
 * At the top of the page are two search boxes on the right.
 * Use the Church Name or Keyword search bar to enter Parish or Diocese.
 * Next use the City, State, Zip, County, Country search bar to enter Philippines.
 * Click the Search button to access the addresses and phone numbers (if available) of the Parishes or Dioceses.

3. Follow these steps to search by City or Province.
 * Click the link and the Catholic Churches in Philippines page will appear.
 * At the top of the page are two search boxes on the right.
 * Use the City, State, Zip, County, Country search bar to enter the name of the City or Province, Philippines.
 * Choose from the multiple choices which appear below the search bar.
 * Click the Search button to access the addresses and phone numbers (if available) of the churches in that location.

Write, call, 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:

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