RESEARCH OUTLINE

Philippines

CONTENTS There is a section in the outline for each type of

record listed in columns 2 and 3 of the “Record
Selection Table.” The sections give more
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 information about these records and how to find
Helps For Using This Research Outline . . . . . . . 1 them. The sections are in alphabetical order.
Record Selection Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Records at the Family History Library . . . . . . . . 3 References to the Family History Library
The Family History Library Catalog . . . . . . . . . . 3 Catalog
Archives and Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Family History Library Catalog is a listing of
Cemeteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 all the records available at the Family History
Census . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Library. The catalog is available at the Family
Church Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 History Library and at each Family History Center.
Civil Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Staff at these places can help you learn to use the
Court Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 catalog.
Emigration and Immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Gazetteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 This outline gives instructions for finding
Genealogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 information in the catalog. For example, in the
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 section of this outline called “Census” you may
Land and Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 find the following statement:
Language and Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Map of the Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Military Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 For more information about census records,
Minorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 look in the “Locality Search” of the Family
Names, Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 History Library Catalog under:
Notarial Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Probate Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 PHILIPPINES - CENSUS
Other Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 PHILIPPINES, [PROVINCE) - CENSUS
For Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 PHILIPPINES, [PROVINCE), [MUNICIPALITY OR
Comments and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 BARRIO) - CENSUS

INTRODUCTION
The above statement tells you to look in the
This outline can help you find information about catalog under:
people who lived in the Philippines. It gives
information about records of genealogical value for • Philippines and then the subject CENSUS.
the Philippines and helps you decide which types
of records to search. • A province in the Philippines and then the
subject CENSUS.
HELPS FOR USING THIS • A municipality or barrio in a province in the
RESEARCH OUTLINE Philippines and then the subject CENSUS.

Before using this outline you need to choose the This outline includes many references to specific
information you would like to learn about one of records. The references include call numbers and
your ancestors, such as a birth date or a maiden computer numbers and are listed in parenthesis.
name.
• Call Numbers. The call number is used to find a
After you have decided what information you want record in the Family History Library collection.
to find, look at the “Record Selection Table” in this
outline. The table lists the kinds of information you
may want and the best types of records for finding
that information.
• Computer Numbers. Each record is assigned a References to Other Family History Library
number to identify it in the catalog. If you are Publications
using the Family History Library Catalog on
computer or compact disc, you can search for the The Family History Library has many other
record by the computer number. This is the publications that may be helpful to you in your
quickest way to find the listing of the record in research. Some are referred to in this outline. Their
the catalog. titles are in italics and their item numbers are in
parentheses. They are available at the Family
For additional information on using the catalog see History Library and the Salt Lake Distribution
Using the Family History Library Catalog (30966) Center.

RECORD SELECTION TABLE: PHILIPPINES

This table can help you decide which records to search. It is most helpful for research from 1800 to the present.
Step 1. Choose an ancestor you would like to know more about. Decide what new information you would like to learn about that person. This new
information is your research goal.
Step 2. In column 1 of this table, find the goal you selected.
Step 3. In column 2 of this table, find the types of records most likely to have the information you need, then read the sections in this outline about
those types of records.
Step 4. Look in the Family History Library Catalog™ and choose a specific record to search.
Step 5. Look at the record.
Step 6. If you do not find the information you need, return to column 3 and search those record types.
Note: Records of previous research (Genealogy, Biography, History, Periodicals, and Societies) are useful for most goals, but they are not listed
unless they are especially helpful.

1. If You Need 2. Look First In 3. Then Search

Age Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Public Records, Military
Records
Birth date Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Military Records
Birthplace Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Public Records
Country of foreign birth Emigration and Immigration, Military Records
Naturalization and Citizenship
County origins and boundaries Atlases Maps, Gazetteers
Death Civil Registration, Church Records Cemeteries, Probate Records,
Funeral Homes
Divorce Civil Registration*
Ethnic background Minorities
Historical background History
Immigration date Emigration and Immigration
Living relatives and guardianships Directories Orphans and Orphanages
Maiden name Civil Registration, Church Records Schools, Medical Records
Marriage Civil Registration, Church Records Public Records
Occupation Public Records Census
Parents, children, and family members Civil Registration, Church Records
Physical description Medical Records, Biography Military Records
Place-finding aids Atlases, Gazetteers History, Maps

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 Places of residence Directories Public Records, including cedulas
or residence certificates
Religion Civil Registration Public Records
Social activities Newspapers, Societies Public Records

* Because divorce is not legal in the Philippines, there are no divorce records. See the “Court Records” section of this
outline concerning annulments and legal separations. Also, look for records in other countries where divorce is
legal.

RECORDS AT THE FAMILY the record quickly when you order it. Copies of the
catalog are at the Family History Library in Salt
HISTORY LIBRARY Lake City, and are also on microfiche at each
family history center. The catalog is divided into
Microform Records four sections:

The Family History Library currently has a large • Locality

collection of microfilm about Philippine peoples, • Subject
and it is continually acquiring new ones. The • Surname
library has microfilmed records from government • Author/Title
and church archives, including:
When you find in this outline the record type you
• Birth, marriage, and death records from need, look for that type of record (such as Church
churches and civil offices. Records) in the Locality section. You will usually
• Census records. use the Locality section to find call numbers of
• Military records. records you need.
• Notarial records.
In the Philippine section of the catalog, the
The library has filmed almost all Philippine civil headings are in English.
records, both modern and those created during the
Spanish administration. It also has an extensive In the catalog, some records, such as national
collection of church records from various records, are listed under PHILIPPINES. Other
Philippine provinces. records may be listed under a PROVINCE,
MUNICIPALITY, or BARRIO (a barrio is smaller
Printed Records locality within a municipality that could be a town,
village, or community). For example, in the
The library has very few printed records. Some Locality section look for:
censuses, church directories, yearbooks, statistics,
and other records are available. 1. The place where your ancestor lived, such as:

Computer Records PHILIPPINES (country)

PHILIPPINES, BULACAN (province)
At the Family History Library in Salt Lake City PHILIPPINES, BULACAN, MALOLOS (municipality)
and in many family history centers in the United PHILIPPINES, BULACAN, MALOLOS,
States and Canada, FamilySearch™ is available. BARASOAIN (barrio)
This computer program has many computer files of
genealogical information. See the “Genealogy” 2. Then the record type or topic you want, such
genealogy section of this research outline for as:
information about the following files: International
Genealogical Index, and Ancestral File. PHILIPPINES - CIVIL REGISTRATION
PHILIPPINES, BULACAN - CIVIL REGISTRATION
PHILIPPINES, BULACAN, MALOLOS - CHURCH
THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY RECORDS
CATALOG PHILIPPINES, BULACAN, MALOLOS, BARASOAIN -
CHURCH RECORDS
The key to finding a record at the Family History
Library is the Family History Library Catalog. The This outline gives call numbers for some records.
catalog describes each of the library's records and These numbers are preceded by FHL, the
provides a call number. The call number helps abbreviation for Family History Library.
those working in the Family History Library find Sometimes this outline lists only the number of
films in a collection or the first and last film

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numbers (if the numbers are in order). These Management and Archives Office (Bureau of
numbers may be used to look up the record in the Records Management) has approximately
Family History Library Catalog and find the 11,000,000 documents from the Spanish
specific film you need. colonization period (1552–1898) and a few records
from the American occupation period
If you need more help using the catalog, Family (1898–1946). Unfortunately, thousands of
History Center staff can assist you in reviewing a documents have been lost due to careless handling,
short video and written instructions. deliberate destruction, and natural deterioration
caused by termites, mold, and moisture.
ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
The Family History Library has filmed the most
important genealogical records from this
This section describes repositories other than the collection, including:
Family History Library that can help you in your
research. The Family History Library has copies of • Cemetery records (cementerios).
many but not all of the records at these archives. • Inheritance records and inventories of personal
estates (bienes de difuntos).
Archives collect and preserve original documents • Marriage records (matrimonios).
of organizations such as churches or governments. • Census records (vecindarios, estadísticas,
Libraries generally collect published sources such padrones de chinos).
as books, maps, and microfilm. When you need the • Military records (quintas, guardia civil, hojas
address of a library or archive, return to this de servicio).
section. • Immigration and naturalization records
(naturalización de Españoles, radicación de
Before you visit, contact the archive or library. Ask estrangeros).
about their collection, hours, services, and fees. • Notarial records (protocolos).
Send a well-worded letter of introduction and
intent. This will increase your chances to use the For more information on these records, see the
records. section of this outline for each record type.
Libraries in the Philippines The Archive Division of the Records Management
and Archives Office is in the Philippine National
The National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO). Library Building. Send inquiries to:
The National Census and Statistics Office has the
major civil records after 1932 and is currently Archive Division of the R.M. & A.O.
responsible for all civil registration. Unfortunately, Philippine National Library
most documents from 1932 to 1945 were destroyed T. M. Kalaw Street
in World War II. Prior to 1974 the office was Ermita, Manila 2801
known as the Bureau of Census and Statistics. Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
Most vital records should be available at the The Philippine National Library has a valuable
Family History Library and Family History 45,000-volume Filipiniana collection of
Centers. The microfilmed records include birth biographies, local histories, bibliographies, and
certificates, death certificates, marriage contracts, gazetteers. It also has collections of rare books
and notarial records. and manuscripts, newspapers and brochures, and
microforms. The atlases, maps, gazetteers, and
Employees of the Philippine National Census and manuscripts of the rare books collection are listed
Statistics Office will answer questions. Send family in:
history inquiries to:
Medina, Isagani R., ed. Filipiniana Materials
Office of the Civil Registrar General in the National Library. Quezon City:
National Statistics Office Published jointly by the National Library and
EDSA corner Times St. the University of the Philippines Press, 1971.
West Triangle, Quezon City 1104
Philippines The Filipiniana collection at the University of the
Fax: 926-7329 Philippines Library is also helpful. See:
Tel. No. 926-7373
Email: [email protected] Filipiniana 1968: A Classified Catalog of
Filipinian Books and Pamphlets in the
Tanggapan Sa Pamamahala Ng Mga Kasulatan At University of the Philippines Library as of
Sinupan (Records Management and Archives January 1, 1968. Diliman, Rizal: the
Office). The Archive Division of the Records University of the Philippines, 1968.

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The following libraries shelve Filipiniana Church Archives. See the “Church Records ”
collections: section of this outline.

C The Ayala Museum Library has over 3,500 Foreign Libraries

rare books and manuscripts:
The U.S. Library of Congress. The U.S. Library of
Ayala Museum Library and Iconographic Congress has a large Filipiniana collection. It has
Archives the most comprehensive foreign bibliography on
Makati Avenue the Philippines (about 18,000 entries) in the
Makati, Manila Orientalia Division of its:
Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
http://www.ayalamuseum.org/ Southeast Asia Subject Catalog. Boston, G.K.
Hall, 1972. 6 vol. Vol. 4: The Philippines.
C The Jorge B. Vargas Filipinian Collection
houses Vargas's personal collection of rare Library of Congress
books, documents, and manuscripts: 1st–2nd Streets, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20504
Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Foundation
241 Shaw Boulevard The Newberry Library. Chicago's Newberry
Mandaluyong, Manila Library has the most valuable foreign collection of
Metropolitan Manila, Philippines documents from the Spanish colonization period.
http://www.vargasmuseum.org You can contact the library at:
C The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library has rare Newberry Library
holdings from 1700 on, Philippine history, 60 West Walton Street
architecture, cultural arts, and the restoration of Chicago, Illinois 60610-3394
the historic walled City of Intramuros.
The above collection is described in:
The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library
5/F Palacio del Gobernador Bldg. Newberry Library. Chicago. Dictionary
Gen. Luna St., Intramuros Catalog of the Edward E. Ayer Collection of
Manila, Metropolitan Manila, Philippines Americana and American Indians in the
Newberry Library. vol. 6, pp. 5,895–99,964.
The following collection includes mostly Boston: G. K. Hall, 1961.
documents from the American occupation period,
with some records from the Spanish colonization Welsh, Doris V. Catalog of Printed Materials
period, and a few modern records: Relating to the Philippine Islands,
1519–1900, in the Newberry Library.
U.S. Embassy, American Historical Collection Chicago: Newberry Library, 1959.
Ateneo de Manila University
Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila Lietz, Paul S., ed. Calendar of Philippine
Philippines Documents in the Ayer Collection of the
Tel: (632) 924-4601, ext. 2668 Newberry Library. Chicago: Newberry
Fax: (632) 924-4428 Library, 1956. (FHL book 959.9 A3c; film
0795964 item 4; computer number 0186549.)
Many important libraries are listed in:
Computer Networks and Bulletin Boards
Dayrit, Marina. Directory of Libraries in the
Philippines. Diliman, Quezon City: The Computers with modems can be useful tools for
University of the Philippines Library, 1973. obtaining information from selected archives and
libraries. In a way, computer networks themselves
Besides the libraries listed above, each province serve as a library. The Internet, certain computer
has a library that stores valuable local histories. bulletin boards, and commercial on-line services
Some municipalities and cities have libraries that help family history researchers:
collect local family histories and other important
genealogical records. Also, each municipality has a C Locate other researchers.
local civil registrar office that keeps valuable C Post queries.
family history information. The local civil registrar C Send and receive e-mail.
logs all civil registration events (see the “Civil C Search large databases.
Registration” section of this outline). C Search computer libraries.
C Join in computer chat sessions.

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You can find computerized research tips and The following is a well-known biographical
information about ancestors from the Philippines in encyclopedia:
many sources at local, provincial, national, and
international levels. The list of sources is growing Retana y Gamboa, Wenceslao Emilio. Indice
rapidly. Most information is available at no cost. de personas nobles y otras de calidad que
han estado en Filipinas desde 1521 hasta
Some information and guides are available on the 1898 (Index of Noble Persons and Other
Internet for research in the Philippines. Sites that People of Standing Who Have Been in the
include information about libraries and museums, Philippines from 1521 to 1898). Madrid:
maps, and naming customs are found in various Librería de Victoriano Suarez, 1921. (FHL
sections of this outline. book 959.9 D32r; film 962157 item 1 or film
1329150 item 8; computer number 0187149.)
General sites that act as indexes to many This is an index of noblemen and others of
interesting Philippines genealogical sites on the note who inhabited the Philippines from
Internet include: 1521 to 1898.

C Philippines Genealogy Web Project: National and Regional Sources. Most major
libraries have good collections and indexes of
C Family History Library home page national and regional compiled biographies. They
also have bibliographies such as:
BIOGRAPHY
Manuel, E. Arsenio. Dictionary of Philippine
Biography. Quezon City: Filipiniana
A biography is a history of a person’s life. In it you Publications; vol 1, 1955, vol. 2, 1970. This
may find: is a well-documented list with an
author/subject index.
• Birth information.
• Marriage information. Doeppers, Daniel F. A Union Catalog of
• Death information. Philippine Biographical Reference Works.
• Names of parents, children, or other family Madison, Wis: Center for Southeast Asian
members. Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison,
• Family traditions and stories. 1983. Bibliographic Series, no. 8. (FHL book
• Clues about an ancestor’s place of origin. 959.9 A3d; computer number 0424614.)
• Places lived.
• Church membership. Zaide, Gregorio F. Great Filipinos in History:
• Military service. An Epic of Filipino Greatness in War and
• Community activities. Peace. Manila: Verde Book Store, 1970.
(FHL book 959.9 D3z; computer number
Some information may be inaccurate, so use it 0273350.)
carefully.
Villarroel, Hector K., et al. Eminent Filipinos.
Many brief biographical sketches have been Manila, Quezon City: Philippine Textbook
collected and published in compiled biographies, Publishers, 1965. (FHL book 959.9 D3e; film
sometimes called biographical encyclopedias. 795656 item 3; computer number 0115412.)
These collections most often include biographies of This work lists biographies of eminent
early patriots and prominent or well-known Filipinos.
citizens of a particular province or municipality.
Others feature biographies of scientists, writers, Local Sources. Collections of biographies about
artists, or people of other occupations. Collections residents of a municipality or province are usually
of biographies at the Family History Library are most helpful for your family history research. The
generally listed in the Family History Library information in these biographies may not be
Catalog, Locality section, under one of the available in any other source. The local library and
following: historical society usually collects biographies and
histories about its residents, such as:
PHILIPPINES - BIOGRAPHY
PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE) - BIOGRAPHY Medina, Isagani R. The Province of Cavite,
PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE), 1570–1898: An Annotated Bio-bibliography.
(MUNICIPALITY) - BIOGRAPHY Diliman, Quezon City: The University of the
PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE), (BARRIO) - Philippines, 1957. This work has 804 entries
BIOGRAPHY from 1570 to 1970.

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 Rivera Castillet, Edvigio de. Cagayan PHILIPPINES - CEMETERIES
Province and Her People. Manila: N.p. 1960. PHILIPPINES, METROPOLITAN MANILA
(FHL book 959.91 E3r; film 0795964 item 4; - CEMETERIES
computer number 0199056.) This work has PHILIPPINES - CHURCH RECORDS
biographies of residents of Cagayan PHILIPPINES, METROPOLITAN MANILA
province. - CHURCH RECORDS

See the “History” section of this outline for further CENSUS

information on local histories.
A census is a count and description of the
CEMETERIES population of a country, territory, province, or
municipality. Census lists are also called schedules
Several types of cemetery records exist. Sextons, or enumerations.
priests, or caretakers of cemeteries generally keep
records of the names and dates of those buried and Although Philippine censuses have not yet been
exhumed, and they may also have maps of the indexed, you can still find excellent information,
burial plots. There may be tombstones in the particularly in more recent censuses. Use the
cemetery, and the information on them may have information with caution, however. Information
been transcribed. may have been given by any family member or
neighbor, and some may have been deliberately
Cemetery records often include birth, marriage, falsified.
and death information. They sometimes provide
clues about military service or religion. These Many early civil censuses were little more than a
records are helpful for identifying children who head count, often conducted by the local parish
died young or women who were not recorded in priest. They were for the sole purpose of
family or government documents. Because determining the number of people subject to
relatives may be buried in adjoining plots, you may paying tribute taxes to the Spanish crown. Later
want to best to visit the cemetery and examine the censuses were generally more detailed, and
records and tombstones personally, if possible. included some valuable genealogical information.

There is, however, a good chance your ancestor’s Beginning in the late 1500s, the Spaniards took
remains are not in their original burial place. various censuses known as vecindarios (local
Exhumations are very common in the Philippines. censuses), padrón de almas (head census), or
Plots may be exhumed because of prolonged estado de almas (people status). The latter two
flooding of the cemetery, foreclosure on an unpaid were religious censuses conducted by parish
plot, urban development of graveyards, or severe clergy. Because they served both church and
crowding in existing cemeteries. Poverty and war government purposes and are similar to the secular
in the Philippines have left many buried in censuses, they are described here, rather than in the
pauper’s graves or in hastily dug mass graves. “Church Records” section of this outline. Most
Spanish census records are from 1800 to 1898 and
Locating Cemeteries and Cemetery Records cover the Luzon and Central Visayas regions. You
will typically find:
To find tombstone or sexton records, you need to
know where a person was buried. There are • Names.
community, church, private, military, and family • Ages.
cemeteries. Most burials are near the place where • Marital status.
the person lived or died or where other family • Tribute status.
members were buried. You can find clues to burial • Profession.
places in funeral notices, obituaries, church • Miscellaneous observations.
records, and death certificates.
This information may be in columnar or narrative
Most recorded pre-twentieth century burials and format. The church census records (estado de
exhumations were sanctioned and performed by the almas and padrón de almas) are more likely to be
Catholic Church. The Family History Library has a in a narrative form and generally give slightly
modest collection of cemetery and exhumation more information than the government records.
records (cementerios, exhumaciones) from the
Spanish colonization. These records are in the The Family History Library has filmed most
Locality section of the Family History Library Spanish civil census records and many religious
Catalog. Look for exhumation records under enumerations. To find the estado de almas and
“Church Records” and cemetery records under padrón de almas, look in the Family History
“Cemeteries”:

7
Library Catalog, Locality section, under “Church nineteenth century. Church records, on the other
Records”: hand, were well kept from 1569 (in accordance
with the directives of the Council of Trent), with
PHILIPPINES, LAGUNA, MAJAYJAY - some records dating even earlier. They are
CHURCH RECORDS generally an excellent source—and many times the
only source—of names, dates, and places of births,
Vecindarios are censuses of all the inhabitants of a marriages, and deaths.
particular locality and can be found in the Family
History Library Catalog, Locality section, under History of Philippine Churches
“Census Records.”:
One of Spain’s objectives in colonizing the
PHILIPPINES, METROPOLITAN MANILA - Philippines was to establish the Catholic religion
CENSUS RECORDS among the Filipinos. Therefore, missionaries were
among the first Spanish colonizers (1565), and the
The National Archives (Records Management and Catholic faith was the state religion for the next
Archives Office) in Manila has 517 bundles of three centuries. In early history there was no
vecindarios and estadísticas (census statistics) separation of church and state in the Philippines,
from various provinces. However, the estadísticas and in most cases local parish priests played the
give only statistics. dual role of civil official and ecclesiastical leader.
Not until the end of the Spanish administration
Searching Census Records (1898) was there a true separation of church and
state and only then were other religions permitted.
When searching census records, remember the For more information on church history in the
following: Philippines, see:

• Accept the ages with caution. Anderson, Gerald A., ed. Studies in Philippine
• Given names may not always be the same as Church History. Ithaca, N. Y.: Cornell
the name recorded in vital records. University Press, 1969. (FHL book 959.9
• Information may be falsified. K2s; computer number 0145619.)
• Name-spelling may vary.
• Place-names may be misspelled or spelled Elwood, Douglas J. Churches and Sects in the
phonetically. Philippines: A Descriptive Study of
• If a family is not at a suspected address, search Contemporary Religious Group Movements.
the surrounding area. Dumaguete City, Philippines: Silliman
• Some parts of the records may be difficult or University, 1968, c1967. (FHL book 959.9
impossible to read. K2e; computer number 0164820.)
• When you find your family in one census, be
sure to search that same location in the earlier Von Oeyen, Robert J., Jr. Philippine
and later census records for additional family Evangelical Protestant and Independent
members. Catholic Churches: An Historical
Bibliography of Church Records,
CHURCH RECORDS Publications and Source Material Located in
the Greater Manila Area. Quezon City:
Asian Center, University of the Philippines,
While each church has its own policies on record 1970. (FHL book 959.91 K23vo; computer
keeping, most churches keep records of: number 0198762.)
• Baptisms
• Christenings Catholic Church Records
• Confirmations
• Marriages The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest
• Burials church in the Philippines, with 85 percent of the
• Memberships population belonging to it. During its 400–year
• Admissions history in the Philippines, the Catholic Church
• Removals created many useful genealogical records. Most
church records in the Philippines are Catholic. In
Some keep minutes of church meetings and the this outline, church records refer to Catholic
histories of their local churches. Church records unless otherwise stated.

Church records are very important for family Each parish has kept records of Catholic
research. Civil authorities did not consistently inhabitants. Typically, these are records of:
register vital events in the Philippines until the

8
• Christening or baptism (bautismos). accurate. Double-check the record, cross-reference
• Confirmations (confirmaciones). it with other records, and carefully interpret the
• Marriages (casamientos or matrimonios). data.
• Parish enumerations (padrón de almas or
estado de almas). To search Catholic records, you must know where
your ancestor resided. The boundaries for civil and
You may expect to find the following information religious jurisdictions are often the same.
in each: Therefore, gazetteers and atlases can help you
determine religious boundaries so you can select
Baptism Records the parishes most likely to have the records you
need. The most valuable reference for finding your
• Place and date of baptism ancestor’s parish is:
• Name
• Age Catholic Directory of the Philippines (CDP).
• Sex Manila: Catholic Trade Inc., 1981. (FHL
• Legitimacy book 959.9 K24c; fiche 6072402; computer
• Names of parents, godparents, and sometimes number 0140001.) This directory has a
grandparents complete list of archdioceses, dioceses,
vicariates, prelatures, and parishes in the
Confirmation Records Philippines. It also gives each organization’s
founding date.
• Place and date of confirmation
• Name Each archdiocese and many dioceses have archives
• Sex that store administrative documents, church
• Names of parents, godparents, and sometimes business records, personnel records, and
grand parents sacramental records (such as baptism, matrimony,
and confirmation). Some of these archives have
Marriage Records indexes, which are excellent guides to research,
such as:
• Place and date of marriage
• Name and sex of those married Ferraris, Maria Rita, R. V. M. Archives of the
• Names of parents and grandparents Archdiocese of Manila: A Summary
• Names of godparents Inventory. Manila: Archives of the
Archdiocese, 1981. (FHL book 959.9 A1 no.
Enumerations (Census) 3; computer number 0162071.)

• Place and date of census General Strategy for Searching Parish

• Sex and name of those counted Registers
• Age at census count
The following suggestions may help you search
Death Records parish registers:
• Place and date of death • Search records from the parish where your
• Sex ancestor lived.
• Name
• Age at time of death • If you do not find the records in a parish,
• Cause of death search parishes in the immediate vicinity
• Name of spouse (approximately a 20-kilometer radius). See the
• Names of surviving children Catholic Directory of the Philippines (above)
• Names of parents (sometimes) for parishes and the names of their parish
priests. Think about the things that influenced
The Family History Library has filmed many your ancestor’s place of residence, such as
Catholic Church records. Look in the Family occupation, race, or geography.
History Library Catalog, Locality section, under:
• Note the founding date of the parish you are
PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE), searching. If the date is after your ancestor
(MUNICIPALITY) - CHURCH RECORDS would be recorded, search records of the
parent parish. See the Catholic Directory of the
Although Philippine parish records are one of the Philippines. If your ancestor lived before the
most valuable sources, they are not 100 percent beginning date of the church records, the older
parish may be far from the new one.

9
• If you cannot find records at a parish, they may Records at the Family History Library
have been sent to the diocese. Find the diocese
in the Catholic Directory of the Philippines. The Family History Library has many church
Your ancestor’s records may have been sent to records on microfilm. Look for them in the Family
another municipality or province to protect History Library Catalog, Locality section, under:
them during a war. A thorough knowledge of
the local history is critical to your family PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE),
research. MUNICIPALITY/CITY) - CHURCH
RECORDS
• Evaluate the information about godparents. PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE),
Their home in another town may lead to the (MUNICIPALITY/CITY), (BARRIO) -
family’s place of origin. Their names and CHURCH RECORDS
relationships may provide clues to previous
generations. CIVIL REGISTRATION
If the parish records you need are not listed in the
Family History Library Catalog and you cannot Civil governments created records of births,
visit the parish archives, then you may want to marriages, and deaths. Sometimes called vital
write to the parish priest for copies of your records, they refer to critical events in a person’s
ancestor’s records. Be sure your requests are life. These are the most important documents for
reasonable and politely stated, and be sure to send genealogical research, but they are not complete.
a money order covering the costs of copying, Because of geographic distances, inefficient
postage, and other expenses. governments, or incomplete civil registrations,
many people’s births, marriages, and deaths were
Philippine Catholic Church records have the never recorded by the civil authorities.
following advantages. They:
This section describes the vital records kept by the
• Have very few errors compared to other types civil government. However, the Catholic Church
of records. has a long history of participation in civil matters
• Cover a large percentage of the population. in the Philippines, and many vital events are
• Give accurate dates and places of christening, recorded only in church records. For pre-twentieth-
marriage, and burial. century events, and even some more recent ones,
• Give names of parents, spouses, and see the “Church Records” section of this outline.
godparents (who are often relatives).
The Family History Library has microfilmed all
Philippine Catholic Church registers have these twentieth-century civil vital records in the National
disadvantages. They: Census and Statistics Office up to 1988. See the
Family History Library Catalog, Locality section,
• Are usually not indexed. under:
• Must be searched chronologically by place.
• May have various languages in one record. PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE) - CIVIL
• Are handwritten and often difficult to read. REGISTRATION.

Most Philippine parish registers are in Spanish. For The library also has filmed local civil registry
excellent help in understanding the style, format, records. These records are often indexed and cover
and contents of these Spanish-language documents, from about 1900 to 1990. You can find local
see: records in the Family History Library Catalog,
Locality section, under the city or place-name.
Ryskamp, George R. Tracing Your Hispanic To find a civil record, you will need at least the
Heritage. Riverside, Calif.: Hispanic Family approximate year and place in which the birth,
Research, 1984. (FHL book 946 D27r; marriage, divorce, or death occurred. To find clues
computer number 0256085.) about these events, you may need to search:

Spanish Records Extraction: An Instruction • Family Bibles

Guide. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of • Genealogies
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981. (FHL • Local histories
book 980 D27s; fiche 6089702; computer • Biographies
number 0254664.) • Cemetery records
• Censuses
• Pension files
• Newspaper notices
• Probate files

10
These records must sometimes substitute for civil • Mother’s name and usual residence.
vital records (which were not always kept before • Father’s name, religion, nationality, race, and
1950). However, these records may not be as occupation.
accurate as church and civil records. • Parents’ marriage date and place of marriage
(city, municipality, and province).
General Historical Background
Late registrations (beyond 30 days after the fact)
Until 1889 there was no central civil administration are recorded in red ink. If the registration is over
to collect, interpret, and preserve the civil six months late, additional documents testifying to
registration records. Most vital records from before the validity of the parentage and legitimacy of the
1889 are in Catholic parish and diocesan archives. child will be included with the birth certificate.
The additional documents may be:
In 1889, however, the Spanish government created
the Central Office of Statistics (Central • Photographs
Estadística). This subdivision of the Bureau of • Baptismal certificates
Civil Administration (Dirección General de • Local civil registrar reports
Administración Civil) required each parish priest to • Third-person affidavits
periodically give the government a detailed list of • Police investigation report
the births, marriages, and deaths in his area.
Although the Catholic clergy had previously Registration almost always took place where the
maintained such records and even occasionally birth occurred.
submitted them to the government, this was the
first time that they had been required to regularly Marriage Records
submit detailed reports. This system continued
until the end of the Spanish administration in 1898. When a couple marries, the marriage is recorded in
four documents:
After the Philippine Revolution of 1898, the
church and state became separate. Within the first • Marriage contract
few years, officials responsible for civil • Marriage license
registration were appointed in each municipality. • Application for a marriage license
In 1922 the Civil Records Centralization Act • Marriage certificate
required “all municipal secretaries to submit
quarterly reports on all registration matters to the Only the marriage contract is forwarded to the
Chief of the Division of Archives.” The Family National Census and Statistics Office. The other
History Library has filmed some of these records. three remain in the office of the local civil
In 1930 civil registration became mandatory and in registrar, although the couple may be given a copy
1932 the Bureau of Census and Statistics was of their marriage certificate. The contract is the
created to oversee all civil registration in the vital record and is of most value to the researcher.
Philippines. It was not until 1940 that most The other three records, though they have much of
registrations began to be recorded. the same information, may provide other valuable
clues to the discerning genealogist.
Unfortunately, most twentieth-century civil vital
records in the Bureau of Census and Statistics were The marriage contract gives the following
destroyed during World War II. In 1974 the Bureau information for both parties:
of Census and Statistics changed to its current
name, the National Census and Statistics Office. • Names
Most records in this office are in English, but some • Ages
are in regional dialects. • Nationalities
• Residences
Information Recorded in Civil Registers • Premarital status (single, widowed, annulled,
and so forth)
Birth Records • Parents’ names and nationalities
• Place of marriage
Birth records generally give the: • Date of marriage
• Witnesses’ names
• Child’s name. • Name of the official who married the couple
• Child’s sex.
• Child’s birth date. Annulments, Legal Separations, and
• Child’s birthplace. Divorces
• Child’s legitimacy.
Divorce is not legal in the Philippines, but some
records of annulment and legal separation are kept

11
in the National Census and Statistics Office and in PHILIPPINES, BENGUET, BAGUIO CITY -
the local Domestic Relations Court of First CIVIL REGISTRATION
Instance. If you know your ancestor’s religion, also
check the church archives of that region. Divorce COURT RECORDS
records may be found in other countries where a
person may have gone to get a divorce, such as the
United States. Some of your ancestors may be in court records as
defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. They
may have participated in matters brought before
Death Records the court in such cases as:
Death records usually include the following • Naturalization.
information about the deceased: • Annulment.
• Legal separation.
• Name • Debt.
• Place of death • Public office.
• Full name of the hospital or institution (if death • Taxes.
occurred there) • Civil and criminal lawsuits.
• Date of death • Probate (see the “Probate Records” section of
• Cause of death this outline).
• Usual residence • Property disputes.
• Sex • Crimes.
• Race
• Occupation Unfortunately, court records are complex and
• Birthplace difficult to use. There are many records, but few
• Birth date are indexed. Court names have changed over the
• Citizenship years, and the records use many difficult legal
• Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden terms and abbreviations. Search court records only
name) after you have searched more helpful records.
• Surviving spouse’s name and address (if any) Court records may help establish family
relationships and places of residence. They often
For further information on civil registration provide occupations, descriptions of individuals,
practices and procedures, see: and other excellent family history information.
Manual of Civil Registration. Manila: National There are three main types of legal court cases:
Economic and Development Authority,
National Census and Statistics Office, Office • Civil cases involve violations of law that harm
of the Civil Registrar General, 1975. (FHL an individual (but not society), such as
book 959.9 N2P; fiche 6072405; computer property damage, trespassing, or libel. In these
number 0168769.) cases, one or more individuals file suit against
others to enforce private rights or to receive
See the “Archives and Libraries”section of this compensation when their rights have been
outline for the address of the Vital Registry violated.
Division of the National Census and Statistics
Office. You can order information directly from: • Equity cases involve disputes or arguments
between individuals when laws have not been
The Civil Registrar General violated. In these cases, individuals petition the
National Statistics Office court to reach a fair decision for both parties.
P.O. Box 779 Cases may involve probates of estates or
Manila, Metropolitan Manila property rights. Today these cases are
Philippines primarily handled by the Barangay
Conciliation Courts.
Records at the Family History Library
• Criminal cases involve violations of law that
The Family History Library has filmed most civil are harmful to society, such as drunk driving,
registration records for the Philippines to 1988. theft, and murder. In these cases, the
Look for them in the Family History Library government (or “the people”) files suit against
Catalog, Locality section, under the province or the defendant. Serious crimes are felonies;
city in which your ancestor lived: minor crimes are misdemeanors.
PHILIPPINES, BATAAN - CIVIL
REGISTRATION

12
The Court System passports (pasaportes), deportations (deportados),
and foreign passports (pasaportes de estranjeros).
The current court system was reformed in 1980 and However, Chinese passports were often recorded
does not have records before that date. For records separately under Chinese passports (pasaportes de
prior to 1980, documents in the Court of First chinos).
Instance are usually most valuable for family
history research. There are three divisions within Most of these records have been microfilmed and
this court: Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, are available at the Family History Library. To
Circuit Criminal Courts, and Courts of Agrarian find deportation records, see the Family History
Relations. You may find important names, dates, Library Catalog, Locality section. Look for the
and places on records of: county and then under “Emigration and
Immigration.”
• Adoptions
• Name changes Foreign Travel and Foreign Service
• Legitimations Records
• Annulments
• Separations The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has records about
• Philippine citizenship changes people who emigrated, immigrated, or gave service
in consulates and embassies in foreign countries.
In addition to the court records, all Philippine The address of the ministry is:
citizens are required to declare any changes in civil
status to their local civil registrar. The registrar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
records all changes in books called registers, such Padre Faura
as the Register of Acknowledgment of Natural Ermita, Manila
Children and the Register of Changes of Names. Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
Sometimes it is simpler to visit the local civil
registrar’s office than it is to visit the courts. Filipino Immigration to the United States
However, the law requiring the reporting of
changes to the registrar has not been uniformly Some Filipino immigrants arrived in the United
kept or enforced. States as early as the mid-1700s, but most
immigrants came after 1900. Changes in U.S.
Although the earliest court records and local civil agricultural techniques on the West Coast and in
registrar logs and registers date from 1900, most Hawaii created a high demand for labor. While
are dated after World War II. persons from many countries were recruited to
work in Hawaiian sugarcane plantations, Filipinos
EMIGRATION AND were the best source of labor because the
IMMIGRATION Philippines was under U.S. administration for the
first few decades of the twentieth-century.
Between 1900 and 1930 over 63,000 Filipinos
If your ancestors emigrated from or immigrated to immigrated to Hawaii and over 45,000 Filipinos
the Philippines, there may be a record in the immigrated to the mainland. Two excellent
Records Management and Archives Office or in the histories of immigration to the United States are:
Commission on Immigration and Deportation,
Department of Foreign Affairs. These records Mangiafico Luciano. Contemporary American
generally provide at least: Immigrants: Patterns of Filipino, Korean,
and Chinese Settlement in the United States.,
• The person’s name New York: Praeger, 1988. (FHL book 973
• A place W2mL; computer number 0489924.)
• A date
Bautista, Veltisezar. The Filipino Americans,
Sometimes they give information about: from 1763 to the Present: Their History,
Culture, and Traditions. Farmington Hills,
• Parents Michigan: Bookhaus Publishers, 1998.
• Religious affiliation
• Tribute status The Family History Library has several other good
• Age reference books that describe early Filipino
immigration to the United States:
Spanish Emigration Records
Saito, Shiro. The Overseas Filipinos: A
The Spanish administration kept fairly detailed Working Bibliography. Honolulu: University
emmigration records. The Records Management of Hawaii, 1974. (FHL book 959.9 A3t;
and Archives Office has a small collection of computer number 0000355.)

13
 Lasker, Bruno. Filipino Immigration to The National Census and Statistics Office has
Continental United States and to Hawaii, vol. current boundary listings.
31. New York: Arno Press, 1969. (FHL book
973 B4ai; fiche 6101684; computer number The National Historical Institute has a very good
0264017.) collection of local histories and biographies of
prominent citizens.
Alcantara, Ruben R., Nancy S. Alcantara, and
Cesar S. Wycoco. The Filipinos in Hawaii: For place-names not in the “see references” of the
An Annotated Bibliography. Honolulu: Social Family History Library Catalog, see a good
Science Research Institute, University of gazetteer, such as:
Hawaii, 1972. (FHL book 996.9 F23a; film
1697759 item 7; computer number 0254173.) Philippine Islands: Official Standard Names
Approved by the States’ Board on
GAZETTEERS Geographic Names. Washington: U.S. Office
of Geography, 1953.
A gazetteer is a list and description of places. You United States. Board on Geographic Names.
may use it to find where your family lived. Gazetteer to Maps of the Philippine Islands:
Gazetteers describe towns and villages and give the Map Series AMD S401 (second edition).
geographic features and the size of the population. Washington: Army Map Service, 1944.
They usually include only the places that existed
when the gazetteer was published. Places are A Pronouncing Gazetteer and Geographical
generally in alphabetical order similar to Dictionary of the Philippine Islands, United
dictionary order. States of America, with Maps, Charts, and
Illustrations. Washington: Government
Modern Place-Names Printing Office, 1902. (FHL film 0599315;
computer number 0383787.)
The Family History Library Catalog lists places by
their modern names and boundaries. To find the
province of a current city or municipality, use the GENEALOGY
“see references” at the beginning of the first
microfiche for the Philippines and at the beginning The term genealogy in this outline and in the
of each province. Family History Library Catalog describes a variety
of family information gathered by researchers,
societies, or archives. Records containing this
information may be very helpful and can save you
Historical Place-Names valuable time. However, because they may contain
either primary or secondary information or both,
Because place-names and boundaries have changed you must carefully evaluate their accuracy. They
in the Philippines, you will probably need sources may include:
that describe places of earlier times. In the Family
History Library Catalog, Locality section, the “see • Pedigree charts.
references” provide historical place-names and • Compiled data on families.
alternate spellings. These references and a good • Correspondence.
atlas should help you solve most research • Ancestor lists.
problems. • Research exchange files.
• Record abstracts.
County Origins and Boundary Changes • Collections of original or copied documents.

Because provinces and municipalities were often Major Collections and Databases
divided and their names changed, you may need to
determine previous boundaries and jurisdictions to The Family History Library has records of
locate your ancestor’s records. previous research and records of researchers
interested in sharing family information.
A local history is a very good source of
information about an area’s origin and evolution. • International Genealogical Index lists the
Many provinces have historical societies that have names of many deceased individuals who lived
collected and compiled local histories of regions in the Philippines. This index is on microfiche
within the province. at the library and at each Family History
Center. Although the Philippine records are
You also may check atlases and gazetteers for not yet extensive, the index is growing every
boundary and name changes. year and is a valuable source to check.

14
• Ancestral File is a computer file of family Manuscript Collections
genealogies. It contains genealogy information
that has been submitted by private individuals Many libraries, archives, societies, and individuals
since 1979. If other researchers have compiled have collected unpublished records about families,
information on your families and submitted it including the life work of genealogists, records
to this file, you may want to search this submitted to patriotic or lineage societies, and
database. records submitted to share genealogical
information (such as pedigree charts). You will
Family Histories need to search most manuscript collections
personally.
A few families have produced histories that may
have genealogical information, biographies, HISTORY
photographs, and other excellent information.
These histories usually tell about several
generations of the family. Family histories and To do effective research, you need some
genealogies are usually available at larger public understanding of the historical events that affected
libraries and historical societies. your family and their records. Learning about
wars, governments, laws, migrations, and religious
The Family History Library has some published trends may help you understand political
Philippine family histories and newsletters. These boundaries, family movements, and settlement
are listed in the Family History Library Catalog, patterns. Your family may be listed in records of
Surname section. Only the main surnames in each these events, such as land and military documents.
family history are listed in the catalog.
Your ancestors will become more interesting if you
If you find your surname in one of these histories, learn about the events that interested or involved
try to determine if it is your family. Not all persons them. In a history, for example, you might learn
with the same surname are related. Often you need what events occurred the year your great-
to do some research in original records before you grandparents were married.
can connect your ancestry to families in these
histories. Find histories of the Philippines or its provinces in
the Locality section of the Family History Library
Catalog under:
Printed Compilations
PHILIPPINES - HISTORY
Many individuals and societies have compiled and PHILIPPINES, (PROVINCE) - HISTORY
published ancestor lists, lineage books, and
genealogy tables. These are usually about the The following dates are important:
ancestry or descent of individuals from a specific
time, place, or event. For example, you may find 1521– The Philippines is discovered by Europe.
compiled genealogies of immigrant Chinese 1762 The early Spanish colonization period.
families, soldiers who served in the War of
Resistance, or members of a religious group. An 1571 Regular trade established between the
outstanding compiled genealogy is: Spaniards and the Chinese.
Fernandez de Recas Garcia, Guillermo Sergio. 1762– The later period of Spanish rule. The
Aspirantes americanos a cargos del Santo 1898 Seven Years’ War (1756–63). Cash-crop
Oficio: sus genealógicas ascendentes economy.
(Aspiring Americans in Charge of the Holy
Office: Their Genealogical Ascendancy). 1820– Social and economic changes as the Port
Mexico: Librería de Manuel Porrua, 1956. 72 of Manila opened to foreign commerce.
(FHL book 972 D3fr; film 0283553;
computer number 0252908.) This 1868 Spanish Revolution. Queen Isabella II
compilation gives genealogical sketches of deposed.
1,208 persons who applied for positions in
the Inquisition from the sixteenth-to the 1898 Spanish-American War.
nineteenth-centuries in Spanish America and
the Philippines. 1898 12 June. Declaration of Philippine
independence from Spaniards.
These types of records are in the locality section of
the Family History Library Catalog under: 1899– First phase of American rule.
1935
PHILIPPINES - GENEALOGY

15
1934 First constitution. much of the information is undocumented and
secondary, you can gather much information from
1941– The Japanese occupied the Philippines. these sources. These records are in the Philippine
1946 National Library’s Filipiniana collection and in
libraries throughout the Philippines.
1946– The Philippines became a republic.
LAND AND PROPERTY
Philippine History
Philippine land records are in government
There are reliable records for four main periods of departments and sometimes other offices, such as:
Philippine history:
• Archives Division, Record Management and
• Spanish rule (1521–1898) Archives Office.
• American rule (1898–1946) • Land Registration Commission (deeds).
• Japanese occupation (1941–1946) • Bureau of Agrarian Reform.
• Philippine self rule (1946–present) • Local land registration offices.
• Title companies.
The following are a few of many sources available
in most large libraries: The Family History Library has filmed many land
records from each province and indexes to the
Edgerton, Ronald K. “Survey of Historical Manila Gazette that deal with land transactions.
Materials in Manila on 19th Century
Philippine History.” Bulletin of the American
Historical Collection. 1 (1972): 7–23. LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES
Miravite, Rosalina S. Books on Philippine Most pre-1900 genealogical material is written in
History. Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Spanish, although you will also occasionally find
Hawaii Press, 1965. records in Latin, French, Dutch, or Hebrew. You
do not need to be fluent in Spanish to research
Van Niel, Robert. Survey of Historical Source Philippine records. Language aids can give you the
Material in Java and Manila. Hawaii: language information you need. Use a good
University of Hawaii Press, c1970. (FHL Spanish dictionary or:
book 959 A5v; computer number 0313146.)
• Genealogical Word List: Spanish. Salt Lake
Local Histories City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, 1989 (34104).
Local histories are some of the most valuable
resources for family history research. Published • Spanish Records Extraction: An Instruction
histories of municipalities, cities, and provinces Guide. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of
usually have accounts of families. They describe Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981. (FHL
the settlement of the area and the founding of book 980 D27s; fiche 6089702; computer
churches, schools, and businesses. You can also number 0254664.)
find lists of early inhabitants, soldiers, patriots, and
civil officials in these records. Even if your C Genealogical Word List: Latin. Salt Lake City,
ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
may give important clues for locating him or her. A Saints, 1997 (34077).
local history may also help a person think of other
records to search. There are over 87 distinct dialects in the
Philippines, and many records are partly in a local
Many histories of cities and provinces have dialect. Some common dialects are Tagalog,
sections or volumes of biographical information. Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, Bicolano, Pangasinan,
These may give information on up to 25 percent of and Pampango. If you find foreign words in your
the families in the area. research, find out which dialect was spoken in the
province where the document was created, and
In addition, study and enjoy local histories for the then look the word up in an appropriate dictionary.
background information about your family’s You may know someone who speaks that language
lifestyle, community, and living environment. who can help you.

In 1952 the Bureau of Public Schools began Useful references for Philippine languages are:
collecting and compiling local histories, legends, Llamzon, Teodoro A. Handbook of Philippine
customs, traditions, and even songs and poems. Language Groups. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila
Local schoolteachers led this work and although

16
University Press, 1978. (FHL book Asia 499.21 often enable you to identify the political district or
L77h; computer number 0040586.) county your ancestors came from. See also the
“Gazetteers” section of this outline
Garcia, Pilar Cruz. A List of Dictionaries in
Tagalog and Other Philippine Languages. The Philippine Bureau of Coast and Geodetic
Manila: Institute of Science and Technology Survey has an excellent collection and is the
Library, 1958. nation’s primary producer of maps. Its publications
are indexed in:
Although Filipino is the official language of the
Philippines, some provincial records are written in Philippines (Republic). Bureau of Coast and
different dialects. English has also been used Geodetic Survey. Topographical Maps,
extensively from the time Philippines was a U.S. Nautical and Aeronautical Charts and
territory. Dictionaries for various dialects are listed Technical Publications. Manila: N.p.
in the Family History Library Catalog under:
The Philippine National Library has a good
PHILIPPINES - LANGUAGE AND collection of historical and modern maps. These
LANGUAGES. are indexed in:

MAPS Maloles, Leticia R., ed. A Guide to the Map

Collection of the Filipiniana Division.
Manila: Bibliography Division, National
Maps help you find the places where your Library, 1971. TNL Research Guide Series
ancestors lived. They identify political boundaries, no. 1.
names of places, geographical features, cemeteries,
churches, and migration routes. Historical maps are The U.S. Library of Congress also has a sizeable
useful for finding communities that no longer exist collection of historical Philippine maps, which is
or that have been incorporated into surrounding analyzed in:
urban areas.
Phillips, Lee P. “A List of Maps, Charts, and
In Philippine research, some maps may not clearly Views of the Philippine Islands in the
indicate political boundaries or give the historical Library of Congress,” Bibliography of the
information you need. Often there are several Philippine Islands. Washington D.C.:
places with the same name. Today, for example, Government Printing Office, 1903, published
five localities in the Philippines have the name as Senate Doc. no. 74.
Viga. Make sure you have the correct locality
before proceeding with your research. Excellent up-to-date maps are available at the U.S.
Army Topographical Command. The following
Finding the Town on a Map sources describe maps:
For successful research, you need to know the Map Deposit Catalog. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
town where your ancestor lived. Because many Army Topographic Command, 1970 edition.
towns have the same name, you may need some
information about the town. Before using a map, Foreign Maps. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
you may search gazetteers, histories, family Department of the Army, 1963. IV. The
records, and other sources to learn all you can Philippines: pp 146–149 TM5–248.
about:
Atlases
• The province your ancestor’s town was in.
• The province your ancestor came from. An atlas is a bound collection of maps. It may
• The name of the parish where your ancestor contain historical information for provinces or
was baptized or married. municipalities. Most public and university libraries
• The towns where other relatives and ancestors and many historical societies have good maps and
lived. atlases, such as:
• Your ancestor’s occupation (this may indicate
the size or industries of the town). Hendry, Robert S., ed. Atlas of the Philippines.
• Nearby localities, such as large cities. Manila: Phil-Asian Publishers, c1945. (FHL
• Nearby features, such as rivers and mountains. book 959.9 E7a; computer number 0344269.)
• Industries in the area.
• Other names the town was known by. Atlas of the Philippine Islands. (Original title:
Atlas de Filipinas, colección de 30 mapas.)
Gazetteers, maps, and information about the place Photocopy of the original published:
(such as the size of nearby features and cities) can Washington, D.C.: Government Printing

17
 Office, 1900. (FHL book 959.9 E7ap; film
0599778 item 3; fiche 6072407; computer
number 0345882.)

Some maps showing political, historical, and

administrative divisions in the Philippines can be
found on the Internet at:

ZZZJHRFLWLHVFRP/Heartland/Ranch/9121/
maps.html

The Family History Library also has a small

collection of loose maps. See the Family History
Library, Locality section, under:

PHILIPPINES - MAPS

18
19
MILITARY RECORDS Present-day Filipinos come from a variety of
backgrounds. The following important points will
help you understand the modern Filipinos ethnic,
Military records describe the induction, draft, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. This
conscription, orders, discharge, grants, and pension information could give some clues to help you in
requests of those who served in the military. There your genealogical research.
are two categories of records:
The isolation of the Philippine islands has
• Spanish colonization records (pre-1900) are produced cultural, social, and linguistic diversity.
stored in the Archives Division of the Record There are over 87 spoken dialects and social
Management and Archives Office. patterns. Over 350 years of Spanish rule and years
of American administration affected cultural and
• Modern records (Post-1900) are in the National social life and contributed to a mixing of races.
Census and Statistics Office. The Chinese, Japanese, British, and others also
lived in the Philippines and contributed to its
Spanish Colonization period Military culture. Hence, the “average” Filipino, unlike his
Records or her pure Negrito and Malay-stock ancestors, is a
"Proto-Malayan"—a mix of various bloodlines and
Records from the Spanish colonization period cultures. The following four groups of peoples
describe the conscription of recruits by the drawing produced unique records valuable for genealogical
of lots (quintas) and military personnel (Guardia research: the Chinese, the Spanish, the Americans,
Civil (Civil Guard) and hojas de servicio (military and the Muslims.
service records)). These records generally include
the name, age, and unit number of the soldier. Chinese
Some include the parents and marital status and
parents’ names as well. The records may not be in The Chinese were in the Philippines when the
chronological order, and many are missing. If you Spanish arrived, and in spite of Spanish fears and
make arrangements in advance, you may search suspicions, they managed to grow and flourish.
these records at the Record Management and When the Spanish colonized Manila in 1571, there
Archives Office. were only 150 Chinese residents; 30 years later,
there were 30,000. Most of these Chinese
The Family History Library has filmed the military immigrants were from Fukien Province in the
records in the Record Management and Archives region of Amoy.
Office. See the Locality section of the Family
History Library Catalog, under “Military Records.” Several record types give information about the
Philippine Chinese. Spain’s desire to control the
To search military records, you must know at least Chinese led them to take many Chinese censuses
the province where your ancestor lived when he (padrón de chinos). Most of these censuses were
was of age to serve in the military (late teens to taken in the 1800s. See the Locality section of the
early twenties). Family History Library Catalog, under the
provincial entry. For example, approximately 80
Modern Records rolls of Metropolitan Manila Chinese census
registers dated from 1786 to 1901, are found
The Family History Library has indexed service under:
records of the Philippine National Guard for
1918 to 1919. The original records are in the PHILIPPINES, METROPOLITAN MANILA
Records Management and Archives Office. - CENSUS

MINORITIES The library also has Chinese baptism applications

(FHL films 1037502–1037510; computer number
It is important to learn the history of the ethnic, 0215661) and some Chinese cemetery records
racial, and religious groups your ancestors (FHL films 1407481–1407491; computer number
belonged to. For example, you might want to study 0646797). Besides these Spanish documents of
a history of the Chinese in Manila or a cultural Chinese peoples, the Chinese produced several
survey of the Muslim Filipinos. This historical major published genealogies, such as:
background can help you identify where your
ancestors lived, when they lived there, where they Gamboa, Marina L. Locsin, 1750–1980:
migrated, the types of records they might be listed Genealogy. Negros Occidental, Philippines:
in, and other helpful information. N.p. 1981. (FHL book 929.2599 L819g; film
1148801; computer number 0079560.)

20
Other references are: Biographies of some of the Spanish nobility may
be found in:
Ch’en, Ching-ho. The Chinese Community in
the Sixteenth Century Philippines. Tokyo: Retana, Wenceslao Emilio y Gamboa. Indice
The Centre for East Asian Cultural Studies, de personas nobles y otras de calidad que
Tenrijihosha Printing Co. Ltd., 1968. (FHL han estado en Filipinas desde 1521 hasta
book 959.9 F2c; computer number 0198953.) 1898. Madrid: Librería de Victoriano Suarez,
1921. (FHL book 959.9 D32r; film 962157
Amyot, Jacques. The Manila Chinese. Quezon item 1 or 1329150 item 8; computer number
City: Ateneo de Manila University, Institute 0187149.)
of Philippine Culture, 1973. (FHL book
959.9 F2a; computer number 0465966.) Americans
McBeath, Gerald A. Political Integration of The Americans occupied the Philippines from
the Philippine Chinese. Berkeley, Calif.: 1899 to 1935. In 1992 they still had two military
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, installations there, but were in the process of
University of Calif.ornia, 1973. (FHL book pulling out. Most records made by the Americans
959.9 F2m; computer number 0191983.) remain in the Philippines in the U.S. Embassy.
Many vital records created during the U.S.
Colorado University. Institute of Asiatic administration were stored in Philippine facilities;
Affairs. Directory of Chinese Personal many of these were destroyed during World War
Names in the Philippines. Washington D. C.: II. See the “Archives and Libraries” section of this
Reproduced and distributed by External outline for the address of the U.S. Embassy
Research Staff, Office of Intelligence Library. Look for service records for civil servants
Research, Department of State, 1953. (mostly Americans) for 1898 to1950 in the
(External Research Paper no. 110.) Locality section of the Family History Library
Catalog under:
In addition, the Philippine Chinese publish an
annual journal: PHILIPPINES - OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES
The Annals of Philippine Chinese Historical
Association. Manila: Philippine Chinese Muslims
Historical Association, 1970–. (FHL book
959.9 B2p.) The Muslim Filipinos (Moros) have remained
distinct and comprise about 5 percent of the total
An example of emigration from Fujian Province, Philippine population. The only primary
China, to the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaya information for the early Muslims comes from
can be found on the Internet at: written genealogies called tarsilas. The tarsila,
also called salsila, sarsila, or salasila, was derived
from Arabic silsilah meaning chain or link.

A tarsila supports the claim of an aristocratic

East Asian records are not listed in the Family family that it descends from sultans or lesser
History Library Catalog. They are listed in the nobility called royal datus or datos back to the
Asian Microfilm Card Catalog at the Family prophet Muhammad. Tarsilas give information
History Library, which can also be ordered on about the early history of the Muslim Filipinos and
microfiche to a branch library (FHL film the ruling clans. They primarily served political
1148276–1148281, 120882–1208872). purposes and were used to strengthen the
legitimacy of the ruling class. Although limited in
Spaniards number and coverage, they are important for
researching Muslim Filipinos. These records are
There were never more than 4,000 Spanish leaders usually written in Arabic script and in a local
in the Philippines at any one time, but in the early dialect. An in-depth study of the tarsilas of the
years (1521–1762) they provided the secular and Moros and several sample tarsilas are in:
ecclesiastical leadership. An index of all Spanish
officials and employees who lived in the
Philippines is in: Saleeby, Najeeb M. and Antonio Martel de
Gayangos. Study in Moro History, Law
Magdaleno, Ricardo. Catálogo XX, Títulos de and Religion. Manila: The Filipiniana
Indias. Valladolid: N.p., 1954. (FHL book Book Guild, 1976. (FHL book 959.97
946 N23m; fiche 6001595; computer number H6s; film 0795893; computer number
0306881.) 0035540.)

21
These histories by Peter G. Gowing also provide Because surnames were all assigned over a
information about Muslims in the Philippines: relatively short period of time and were taken from
a single source, it is not uncommon to find that all
Muslim Filipinos–Heritage and Horizon. the surnames from an area begin with the same
Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1970. letter of the alphabet or that all the people of a
(FHL book 959.9 H6g; computer number barangay have the same surname. A barangay was
0430083.) a basic unit of local administration used during
Spanish occupation from 1565 to1898. Today a
Mosque and Moro: A Study of Muslims in the barangay refers to communities of 1,000
Philippines. Manila: Philippine Federation of inhabitants within a city or municipality that is
Christian Churches, 1964. administrated by a group of elected officals. A
number of barangay could have made up a
Native Minorities municipality.

There are few significant records for local native More information on Philippine surname customs
minorities, but some helpful reference materials are and a long list of native Filipino surnames can be
described in: found on the Internet at the following address:

Antonio, Celia M. A Preliminary Bibliography www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9121/

of Philippine Cultural Minorities. Quezon surnames.html
City: Commission on National Integration,
1967. (FHL book 959.9 F23a; computer Given Names
number 0085138.)
Many Filipinos modify their names to match their
For more information on these and other environment. For example, a man named Roberto
minorities, see the Family History Library Catalog, may anglicize his name to Rob or Robert after
under: moving to a city. Jose would likely become Joe,
and Guillermo may change his name to Bill. This
PHILIPPINES - MINORITIES. is a common practice to keep in mind when tracing
a family’s movements. The following book can
NAMES, PERSONAL help you trace such names:

Garcia, Mauro. Philippine Pseudonyms,

It is important to understand how surnames and Aliases, Pen Names, Pet Names, Screen
given names developed and changed in the Names, and Name Aberrations. Manila:
Philippines. You can gain important clues about a Bibliographical Society of the Philippines,
family’s origin by examining its surname. The 1965.
Filipinos began adopting surnames in the 16th
century during Spanish colonization; before this, Another Philippine naming custom is the Spanish
the Filipinos found one name adequate to meet practice of assigning a mother’s maiden name as
their needs. As the Catholic Church assigned her child’s middle name. Hence, the mother of a
Christian names to new converts and as more and child named Bernardo Juarez de la Cruz may very
more Filipinos began to use their native names and well have the maiden name of Juarez. There are
their Christian names, the government saw a need exceptions to this rule, but this custom may be
to standardize naming practices among the very helpful as you trace family relationships.
Filipinos.

The Spaniards issued the Claveria Decree in 1849 NOTARIAL RECORDS

in an attempt to assign all Filipinos surnames. This
decree was inconsistently enforced, and there are The Family History Library has an excellent
no records describing its institution. In many cases collection of notarial records from most provinces
the local magistrates simply assigned surnames to of the Philippines. Although difficult to use, they
those who did not already have one. They used the can provide valuable information.
following alphabetical index of surnames compiled
for that purpose: Notarial records are written in English, Spanish,
and various Philippine dialects. Some are indexed,
Claveria y Zaldua, Narciso. Catálogo but most are not. To use these records you need to
Alfabético de Apellidos (Alphabetical Catalog know:
of Surnames). Manila: National Archives,
1973. (FHL book 959.9 D43c; film 0795723 • The date your ancestor used the services of a
item 6; fiche 6072406; computer number notary.
0186179.) • The notary’s name.

22
• The province where your ancestor lived. Modern Records
• The place where the document was notarized.
Modern (post-1945) probate records are in courts,
Notarial records are in the Locality section of the civil offices, and the National Census and Statistics
Family History Library Catalog under Notarial Office. Because Filipinos are not likely to write
Records: wills and testaments, this source tends to be rare. It
is also rather difficult to use. Nevertheless, it can
PHILIPPINES, AGUSAN DEL NORTE, be helpful to check local courts, civil archives, and
BUENAVISTA - NOTARIAL RECORDS the National Census and Statistics Office for
probate records, especially if your ancestor was
Sometimes you can find the name of the notary by affluent.
looking in death registers. If you know the notary’s
name, you can look for it in the Author/Title The Family History Library also has some wills
section of the catalog. and guardianship records. The guardianship
records are mostly from Manila (1923–63).
A few notarial records are from provinces
(1900–70), but most are from Manila (1700–1970). OTHER RECORDS
PROBATE RECORDS Other types of records that are not mentioned in
this outline are listed in the Family History Library
Probate records are court records which determine, Catalog, Locality section. For example, see the
after a person’s death, how an estate is distributed following topics:
to heirs and creditors and how dependents are
cared for. You may find: ALMANACS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• The person’s death date. CHURCH DIRECTORIES
• Names of family members. CHURCH HISTORY
• Family relationships and residences. ETHNOLOGY
• Information about adoptions or guardianship GUARDIANSHIP
of minor children and dependents. MEDICAL RECORDS
POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
Although probate records are one of the most PUBLIC RECORDS
accurate sources of genealogical evidence, use SCHOOLS
them cautiously. For example, they may omit the SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS
names of deceased family members or those who TAXATION
previously received an inheritance, or the spouse
mentioned may not be the parent of the children FOR FURTHER READING
mentioned.

Spanish Records More detailed information is in a number of

sources at most larger libraries. The following
The Bureau of Records Management has some sources may be helpful:
probate records from the Spanish colonization
period. Most of these records are personal estates Basic Research Strategies
(bienes de difuntos). Some of these records are
indexed. They generally give: Vance, Lee W. Tracing Your Philippine
Ancestors. Provo, Utah: Stevenson’s
• The name of the deceased. Genealogical Center, 1980. (FHL book 959.9
• The date of death. D27v; film 0795859 item 11; computer
• A detailed list of heirs. number 0065360.) This work is essential if
• Supporting documents about the wealth and you are beginning research in Philippine
property of the deceased. genealogy. It includes valuable local
histories; descriptions of most records types;
These records are in the Family History Library a bibliography; and practical, step-by-step
Catalog, Locality section, under “Probate instructions for effective research.
Records”:
Important References
PHILIPPINES, METROPOLITAN MANILA -
PROBATE RECORDS Dizon, Jesse A.M. “Bibliography of Books and
Articles on Filipino Family and Kinship.”
Philippine Sociological Review. N.p., 1971.

23
 This bibliography is primarily for periodicals. Onorato, Michael P. Philippine Bibliography
Most articles give scholarly insights into (1899–1946). Santa Barbara, California:
Philippine family structure. ABC-CLIO, 1968. (FHL book 959.9 A3p;
computer number 0186208.)
Bibliographies
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Saito, Shiro. Philippine Research Materials
and Library Resources: An Overview. The Family History Library welcomes additions
Hawaii: University of Hawaii Library, 1973. and corrections that will improve future editions of
(FHL book 959.9 A3ss; computer number this outline. Please send your suggestions to:
0170048.) This work is an excellent overview
of research materials available in various Publications Coordination
libraries and collections. Family History Library
35 North West Temple Street
Bernardo, Gabriel A. Bibliography of Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Philippine Bibliographies, 1593–1961. USA
Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University
Press, 1968. (FHL book 959.9 A33b; © 1992, 2004 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed
computer number 0178716.) in the USA. Second edition April 1997. English approval: 6/04
No part of this document may be reprinted, posted on-line, or
Hart, Donn V. An Annotated Bibliography of reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written
Philippine Bibliographies: 1965–1974. De permission of the publisher. Send all requests for such permission to:
Kalb, IL: Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Copyrights and Permissions Coordinator
Northern Illinois University, 1974. (FHL Family and Church History Department
50 E. North Temple Street, Rm 599
book 959.9 A33h; computer number Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3400
0378232.) USA
Fax: 801-240-2494
FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. .
 Other Resources: Philippines

Philippines Map
http://geology.com/world/philippines-satellite-image.shtml

Philippines GenWeb
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/9121/

Catalog of Filipino Names

http://www.bibingka.com/names/default.htm

Philippines Genealogy Forum

http://genforum.genealogy.com/philippines/

Philippines - Catholic Church Local History & Ancestors

http://home.att.net/~Local_Catholic/Catholic-Philippines.htm

National Archives of the Philippines

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.ph/