How to Get a Baptismal Certificate in the Philippines for Catholics

Getting Married? Have a Late Registration of Birth? Enrolling in a Catholic School? One requirement for those is a Baptismal Certificate. This certifies that you have received the Sacrament of Baptism and are a Catholic. Here’s a guide on How to get a Baptismal Certificate in the Philippines for Catholics.

A Baptismal Certificate is a Church document with details on the baptized person’s name, date of baptism, parents, and priest. Pwede rin ninyong malaman kung sino yung ninang at ninong nyo, malay mag-bigay sila ng Aguinaldo tuwing pasko. P.S. Baptismal Certificates are not legal nor public documents but parochial documents. Read our article on how to get a copy of a Baptismal Certificate.

Purposes of getting a Baptismal Certificate

• Marriage at a Catholic Church – for those who want a Church Wedding, the couple needs to be Catholics. Having a Baptismal Certificate will prove that the couples are baptized. If di pa na baptized si Groom or Bride, then pwede mag-pa-schedule ng Baptism then Confirmation sa Church. You might also undergo Catechism. Di pwede yung simbahan if iba-iba ang religion, dapat pareho. In case your partner doesn’t want to get Baptized, you can opt for a Civil Wedding.
• Late Registration of Birth – If the PSA found no Birth Certificate, a Baptismal Certificate is one of the requirements for late registration. It could help as it has details about the parents as well as when the Baptism was conducted. At least doon maka-help when ang birth year, kadalasan kasi less than one year na pina-nganak ang Baptism.
• Enrolling at a Catholic School – some Catholic schools will also require a Baptismal Certificate. They will be the ones to arrange your first communion (usually, elementary), then for high school, Confirmation.
• Confirmation – Confirmation is the Sacrament where Catholics will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is usually given to teenaged or adult Catholics who have a bond with the Church and Christ. Sometimes, churches will also require that couples who will get married must also be confirmed.

Where to get a Baptismal Certificate in the Philippines for Catholics?

You will need to get a Baptismal Certificate at the Church where the baptism was held. The specific Church or Parish, or if you were baptized at a small chapel, then the church it belongs. Wala kasing record si Church A sa mga bininyagan sa Church B. Unlike sa NSO or PSA na may records sila sa lahat ng births sa Pinas, yung Simbahan, walang ganun.

So if you are baptized in Paoay Church in Ilocos but live in Cebu, you need to get your baptismal certificate there. You can ask your relatives’ help, kung may kakilala kayo doon, or try communicating with the church. Those who live abroad might also ask a relative or close friend to assist them. If wala, you may need to fly there.

If you don’t know where you were baptized, then ask your parents or relatives. They might have an idea. Kung nakalimutan nila, might as well search if saan ka nakatira when you were less than a year old and ask the churches there if they have your record.

Steps in obtaining a Baptismal Certificate in the Philippines for Catholics

STEP 1: Ready the following information:

• Church
• Name of the Baptized
• Parents of the Baptized
• Date of Baptism – If you don’t know when, you can write the date of birth or an estimate of when the Baptism was held so that the church staff could look for it near those dates.
• Purpose of Baptismal Certificate

STEP 2: Go to the Parish or Church Office. Ask the staff that you are asking for a Baptismal Certificate. You might be asked to write the information on a form or paper.

STEP 3: Pay the fee of about PHP 50 – 200 pesos; it will depend on the Church if how much they cost. You might be asked to come back after a few days.

STEP 4: Get the baptismal certificate. Please bring the receipt and an ID to claim it.

Getting Baptized

Requirements

In case you are not yet baptized or want your child to be baptized, here are some of the requirements. These are common requirements, so you will need to ask the Church for specific ones.

• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate of Parents
• 2 Sponsors (Godparents – Ninong or Ninang)
• Pre-Jordan Seminar of Parents – some churches requires Sponsors to attend the Pre-Jordan Seminar, or they must have a card (proving that they attended one)
• Church Fee – may range from PHP 100 to PHP 3,000, depending on Church and schedule. Pag special yung schedule mas mahal, pero if pang-maramihan, then it will be cheaper
• Catechism Recommendation – in case you are already an adult

What to Bring During Baptism

• White Baptism Dress
• White Cap
• Baptismal Candles

What to do During Baptism

Go to the church at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time, especially if pang-maramihan as the Catechist, might give you instructions. Minsan pag-special Baptism, late yung parents, but I hope di kayo mag-Filipino time.

You will be all gathered. Then baptism rites will start. There will be questions asked (but you know what to reply kasi may seminar). Then baptizing with water, then oil, then light ang candle.

Mga 10-15 minutes tapos na kayo especially if isang bata lang bibinyagan. Tapos nyan, picture-picture na.

After a few days, the parents may ask for a copy of the Baptismal Certificate. It’s better to keep the original and have photocopies. Save it din sa phone in case of emergencies, like mawala, at least alam nyo ang details and it would be easier to claim one sa church.

That’s our guide on how to get a Baptismal Certificate in the Philippines for Catholics. I hope it will help you for whatever purpose you might need it. You can also read our other articles like Requirements & Step by Step Guide to Planning a Church Wedding in the Philippines.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.

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