Philippines Record Finder
The table below can help you decide which records to search. In column 1 find the goal you selected. In column 2 find the types of records that are most likely to have the information you need. Then turn to that section of this outline. (The terms used in columns 2 and 3 are the same as the subject headings used in this outline and in the Locality section of the Family History Library Catalog.) Column 3 lists those sections of this outline that may also be useful. Record containing previous research (biography, genealogy, history, nobility, periodicals, and societies) could provide useful information. These have been listed repeatedly if they are especially helpful.Records containing previous research (biography, genealogy, history, nobility, periodicals, and societies) could provide information for most of the goals. These have not been repeatedly listed unless they are especially helpful for the goal.
| 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, Naturalization and Citizenship | Military Records |
| 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 |
| Places of residence | Directories | Public Records, including cedulas or residence certificates |
| Religion | Civil Registration | Public Records |
| Social activities | Newspapers, Societies | Public Records |