Catanduanes Province, Philippines Genealogy

Asia Philippines  Catanduanes Province

Guide to  ancestry, family history and genealogy: birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, parish registers, and military records.

History
Brief Historical Background The general referral in the framing of the history of Catanduanes runs parallel to the story of Philippine evangelization. The best source of information on Catanduanes, ex libris canonicus, was lost or destroyed during one of the many incursions of the Moro pirates plying the Bicol Peninsula. In addition to the significant facts from church records, some pieces of information were handed down through word of mouth (be they facts, legends or tales). The important events formed into the significance matrix if only to document the shades of the past of this beautiful and happy island of Catanduanes.

Pre-Spanish Period In the early part of the 13th century, people believed to have come from Borneo, Malaysia and China first reached this island. They were mostly traders and seafarers engaged in barter and trade within the region and in search of new lands for settlement. These groups of traders plus a few settlers gave a semblance of population activity during the later period of the century.

The uneventful migration pattern of trading and settlement during the succeeding centuries was characterized by relative stability as commercial activities confined mostly within and among the neighboring islands. The historical gap between the 14th centuries and the middle of the 15th century illustrates the doldrums in the island’s early history given the long-drawn establishment of population centers.

Christianization/Evangelization During the early part of 1573, a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Juan de Salcedo set foot on the island, while in pursuit of pirates plying their trade along the coastal villages of southern Luzon. They came upon several tribes living in the thatched huts called cobo by the natives. Hence, Isla de Cobos became the province’s first adopted name.

On April 23, 1576, the galleon Espiritu Santo, en route to Manila from Acapulco, Mexico was wrecked off the coast of Batalay, Bato in an off-season weather disturbance. Among the survivors was Fray Diego de Herrera, a few Augus­tinian missionaries and some crewmembers. With this group came the first attempt at religious intrusion, which later became the major source of conflict with the natives that led to their violent deaths. Over the grave of Fray Herrera, the first Christian cross in Catanduanes was erected.

The actual evangelization of the island started some twenty years later, when the soldiers of Spain, after subjugating the Bicol mainland, came back with Franciscan missionaries. The missionaries armed with the cross and backed by the sword of the conquistadors evangelized the entire population without much resistance, after initially converting the southern tribes.

From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers were able to put up nine centers of local governments through the establishment of parishes: Caramoran (1601); Pandan (1650); Viga (1661); Panganiban (1663); Virac (1775); Bato (1830); and San Andres (1853). During the early fifties, Baras was created. Bagamanoc, a thriving municipality during the Spanish period was reduced to a mere barrio of Viga and later of Panganiban, during the American regime. It formally became a municipality in 1950 followed by Gigmoto in 1951, and San Miguel in 1952. It was during this period that the island saw its own development growth. Interlinking roads built and trading centers created.

Filipinism The unrest brought about the clamor for more Filipino involvement in the affairs of the Spanish government and the emerging nationalism among the natives signaled the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. The province sent Catandunganon soldiers to join the cause. During this period, the island came under the command of two generals. Abuque took responsibility for the northern towns and Brimbuela commanded the forces at Virac and the rest of the southern portion of the island.

American Regime Near the turn of the 19th century, the struggle for independence from the Spanish colonizers was effectively stifled by American interference. With superior arms and technology, the new conquerors found passive resistance among the natives. From one occupational regime, the country was placed under another.

From then, a civil government has replaced the military government. Catanduanes was made a sub-province of Ambos Camarines with Don Felipe Usero as its first Lieuten­ant Governor. It was during his term that the island was annexed to the province of Albay. The American occupation ended in 1934, followed by the birth of the Philippine Commonwealth.

Japanese Occupation In the 19th century, the sub-province of Catanduanes was already governed by a permanent delegate commissioner from the province of Albay, appointed by the central government in Manila.

In the morning of December 1941, the Japanese came and invaded the island. The Japanese Imperial Forces overran all defenses in no time. The wrath and might of the new conquerors over the people were mildly suppressed and hardly felt due to vigorous interventions from the Japanese pseudo traders who came earlier. Thus the people of Catanduanes suffered relatively less oppression during the occupation.

On February 8, 1945, upon instructions from the guerilla’s Central Movement, the Island’s own resistance group began offensive maneuvers. Two weeks later, the island was totally liberated. Two months after the liberation of the country, Major Thomas Sames of the Philippine Civil Authority Unit (PCAU) came and appointed civilian officials who served until the resumption of Commonwealth Government.

Post War Effective on October 26, 1945 Catanduanes became an independent province through the passage of House Bill No. 301 and Commonwealth Act No. 687 authored by then Representative Fran­cisco Perfecto. Remigio Socito, the last Lieutenant Governor of Catanduanes was appointed as the first Provincial Governor. When elections held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero became the first elected Governor.

The People Power Revolution in February 1986 ushered in new leadership. Former Ambassador Leandro I. Verceles Sr. was appointed Governor of the province. In 1988, Governor Leandro I. Verceles Sr. ran for Governor and won the election. His term ended in 1992 when lost to Governor Rosalie A. Estacio. After Governor Estacio, Governor Severo C. Alcantara became the governor of the province in 1995. Gov. Alcantara did not run for re-election due to failing health. In 1998 Governor Hector S. Sanchez won the election. Governor Sanchez run for re-election but lost to Governor Leandro B. Verceles Jr who became governor for two successive terms. In 2007 synchronized elections, Gov. Verceles run again for his third and last term for governor but lost to Governor Joseph C. Cua, who became governor from 2007-2013 for two successive terms but lost to Gov. Araceli B. Wong last May 2013 election. Gov. Wong is now the incumbent governor.

Research Methods
'''The vast majority of your family research will be in civil registration and church records. This article explains different methods for obtaining these records.'''

Civil Registration (Registros Civiles)

 * The recording births, marriages and deaths, provides important information of events in a person's life and required valid evidence, making these records very important.
 * Most vital records from before 1889 come from Catholic parish and diocesan archives.
 * In 1889, the Spanish government created the Central Office of Statistics, which required each parish priest to give the government a detailed list of the births, marriages, and deaths in his area.
 * After the Philippine Revolution of 1898, the church and state became separate. Within the first few years, officials responsible for civil registration were appointed in each municipality.
 * In 1930, civil registration became mandatory and, in 1932, the Bureau of Census and Statistics was created to oversee all civil registration in the Philippines. It was not until 1940 that most registrations began to be recorded.
 * Contents:
 * Births: Child’s name, birth date and place; parents’ names, residence, and occupation; witnesses’ ages, relationships, residences.
 * Marriages: Bride and groom names, ages, residences, occupations, marriage date and place; sometimes ages and/or birth dates and places; parents' names;  residences, occupations; witnesses and officer who performed ceremony; former spouses.
 * Death registers: Name of deceased, age, death date and place, occupation, name of surviving spouse, informant’s name and residence, cause of death, sometimes birth date and place, parents’ names, children’s names.
 * Fetal deaths: Record of all stillbirths, includes information similar to birth and death data shown above.
 * Population coverage: Before 1922, 20%; after 1922, 90%.

1. Online Civil Registration Records
Your search should start with several online collections of civil registration records:
 * 1706-1911 - Abra, Philippines Civil Registration (Spanish Period), 1706-1911, images, incomplete.
 * 1888-1984 - at FamilySearch — index, incomplete.
 * 1888-1984 - at FamilySearch — images, incomplete.
 * 1902-1945 - Abra, Philippines Civil Registration (Archives Division), 1902-1945 at FamilySearch — images, incomplete.
 * 1945-1984 -  at | FamilySearch — index, incomplete.
 * 1945-1984 - Abra, Philippines Civil Registration (National), 1945-1984 at | FamilySearch — images, incomplete.

2. Microfilm Copies of Civil Registration Records Searched at a Family History Center
You can also search microfilmed copies of available civil registration records. If the locality and time period you need are not included in the online records, the next step is to try to find them in the microfilm collection of the Family History Library. These microfilms may be viewed at Family History Centers around the world. To find a microfilm:


 * a. Click on this link to see a list of records for Philippines, Abra.
 * b. Click on "Places within Philippines, Abra" and a list of towns and cities will open.
 * c. Click on the town or city you wish to search.
 * d. Click on "Civil Registration" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
 * e. Choose the correct event and time period for your ancestor.
 * f. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm. Clicking on the microfilm reel will lead to information on how to rent the film. Family History Center staff will assist you in ordering the film.

3.Writing for Records

 * Civil registry documents that can be obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Click here for detailed instructions for requesting certificates by mail.  Click here to order records online.
 * A copy of the records have been retained in local civil registry offices. Because many records were lost or damaged in the war, checking both the national office and local office might help find a surviving record. To write to them, address your letter to:

City Civil Registry (postal code--find it here) (City) Abra, Philippines

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. This Letter Writing Guide will help you with organizing your letter and phrasing your requests.

Church Records
Church records are very important for family research. Civil authorities did not consistently register vital events in the Philippines until the nineteenth century. Church records, on the other hand, were well kept from 1569 (in accordance with the directives of the Council of Trent), with some records dating even earlier. They are generally an excellent source—and many times the only source—of names, dates, and places of births, marriages, and deaths. Key records are baptisms/christenings, marriages, and deaths/burials.

Generally registers exist for the following denominations: Other religious groups in the Philippines:

Contents:
 * Islam (Muslim immigrants and converts 11th-15th centuries, also called Moros)
 * Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian (Some Chinese immigrants arrived in the 16th-19th centuries, but many more arrived in the 20th century)
 * Hindu (East Indian immigrants arrived in the 20th century)
 * Jews (Arrived in the 20th century)
 * Baptismal records: Baptism dates; children’s names; parents’ residence and names (sometimes mother's maiden name is given); witnesses’ and godparents’ names, and sometimes their residence and relationship to infants; sometimes grandparents’ names.
 * Marriage records: Candidates’ names; marriage and/or proclamation dates; often birth places, residence, witnesses, former spouses and parents’ names.
 * Death/burial records: Name of deceased; burial date; often age and cause of death; residence; spouse’s name, especially for women; parents’ names for deceased children.

1. Online Church Records
These very limited collections include some church records:


 * 1642-1994 -, index, incomplete.
 * 1723-1957 -, index, incomplete.
 * 1726-1957 -, index, incomplete.

These Ancestry.com collections are much larger:
 * 1642-1994 - Philippines, Select Births and Baptisms, 1642-1994, index, incomplete, ($).
 * 1723-1957 - Philippines, Select Marriages, 1723-1957, index, incomplete, ($).
 * 1726-1957 - Philippines, Select Deaths and Burials, 1726-1957, index, incomplete, ($).

A similar collection at MyHeritage should also be checked. This collection shows even larger statistics. Also, frequently, the search engines at these partner sites bring up slightly different results. Your ancestor may show up on one but not the other:
 * 1642-1994 - Philippines, Births and Baptisms, 1642-1994, index, incomplete, ($).
 * 1723-1957 - Philippines, Marriages, 1723-1957, index, incomplete, ($).
 * 1726-1957 - Philippines Deaths and Burials, 1726-1957, index, incomplete, ($).

Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local Family History Center or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. ''.

2. Microfilm Copies of Church Records Searched at a Family History Center
You can also search microfilmed copies of available church records. If the locality and time period you need are not included in the online records, the next step is to try to find them in the microfilm collection of the Family History Library. These microfilms may be viewed at Family History Centers around the world. To find a microfilm:


 * a. Click on this link to see a list of records for Philippines, Abra.
 * b. Click on "Places within Philippines, Abra" and a list of towns and cities will open.
 * c. Click on the town or city you wish to search.
 * d. Click on "Church Records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
 * e. Choose the correct event and time period for your ancestor. "Bautismos" are baptisms. Matrimônios and "Casamentos" are marriages.  "Óbitos"  and Defunciones are deaths.  "Índice" is the index.
 * f. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the microfilm. Clicking on the microfilm reel will lead to information on how to rent the film. Family History Center staff will assist you in ordering the film.

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. Click here for addresses and telephone numbers for parishes in Abra.

Use this address, substituting names:

Parish Priest (name of parish) (city), (postal code--find it here) Abra Philippines

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. This Letter Writing Guide will help you with organizing your letter and phrasing your requests.

Reading the Records

 * Many records are written in Spanish. You do not have to be fluent in Spanish to read your documents. Genealogical records usually contain a limited vocabulary. Use this Spanish Genealogical Word List to translate the important points in the document. Handwriting skills are taught in BYU Spanish Script Tutorial.


 * Online interactive slideshow lessons are available to help you learn to read these records:


 * Reading Spanish Handwritten Records, Lesson 1
 * Reading Spanish Handwritten Records, Lesson 2
 * Reading Spanish Handwritten Records, Lesson 3

Tips for finding your ancestor in the records
Effective use of church records includes the following strategies.


 * Search for the relative or ancestor you selected. When you find his birth record, search for the births of his brothers and sisters.
 * Next, search for the marriage of his parents. The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.
 * You can estimate the ages of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records.
 * Then repeat the process for both the father and the mother.
 * If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.
 * Search the death registers for all known family members.

Cemeteries

 * Palta Cemetery
 * Bato Public Cemetery
 * St. Joseph the Worker Cemetery
 * Virac Catholic Cemetery
 * Sabangan Cemetery
 * Gigmoto Public Cemetery
 * Viga Public Cemetery
 * Find A Grave

Websites

 * Catanduanes Wikipedia
 * Catanduanes Government Website
 * Rebulic of Province Catanduanes
 * Catanduanes Map
 * Catanduanes Province Zip Codes