User:Terriethomas/Sandbox/phil3

3. Writing to Request Records
Unless you know your ancestor was of another religion, begin by searching Catholic Church records. The Province of Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region is in the Diocese of Bangued. Write or telephone to inquire whether the diocese holds the parish records:


 * Excmo. Sr. Obispo de Bangued
 * 2800 Bangued, Abra CAR
 * Philippines

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

Or you may want to write directly to the parish:


 * Follow these steps to access the parish names and addresses in the Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
 * 1) Click on the link above and the Parish list for the Diocese of Bangued page will appear.
 * 2) Find the city you are researching in the left column of the parish table.
 * 3) Straight across in the next column will be the name of the parish.
 * 4) Click on the location symbol after the name of the parish.
 * 5) The parish address will appear on the parish map above the table.
 * 6) Copy the parish name and address.
 * 7) Click Zip Codes of Abra Province to find the zip code for the city
 * 8) Use the address below as a template:
 * '''Reverendo Padre
 * '''Parroquia de (name of parish)
 * (city), (postal code--find it here) Abra
 * Philippines


 * Example for an address from the parish map:
 * Church of Christ the King
 * Boliney, Abra, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines


 * Correct Address:


 * Reverendo Padre
 * Parroquia de Church of Christ the King
 * 2815 Boliney, Abra CAR
 * Philippines

Or write directly or call the parish. See The Catholic Directory for addresses and telephone numbers for parishes. For other religions, Google the denomination and the location. Many churches maintain websites.

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


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

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