Getting married or entering school? One requirement you might need is a baptismal certificate.
If you need a baptismal certificate, this article will tell you everything you need to know, from what a baptismal certificate is to how to get one.
Reasons for Obtaining a Baptismal Certificate Catholic
Photo by Romeo Delos Santos
1. Marriage in a Catholic Church
Couples must be Catholics to marry in a Catholic Church. The couple’s baptism is verified by a Baptismal Certificate. The Church may schedule Baptism and Confirmation if the Groom or Bride has not been baptized.
Catechism may be required as well. The marriage cannot be performed in church if the religions are incompatible. If your partner does not want to be baptized, you can have a Civil Wedding.
2. Late Registration of birth
If the PSA discovers no Birth Certificate, a Baptismal Certificate is one of the requirements for late registration of birth.
3. Enrolling at a Catholic School
Some Catholic schools may demand a Baptismal Certificate. They’ll arrange for your first communion (usually in elementary school), followed by Confirmation in high school.
4. Confirmation
Catholics receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit during the Sacrament of Confirmation. These sacraments are commonly given to Catholic kids or adults who have great faith in Christ and the Church. Lastly, couples getting married are occasionally required by the church to be confirmed.
How to get a baptismal certificate?
Photo by Dayvison de Oliveira Silva
The church or chapel where the baptism took place must provide a Baptismal Certificate. However, unlike the NSO or PSA, which keeps records of all births in the Philippines, the Church does not keep track of those baptized in churches.
1. Prepare the following information:
- Name of Baptized
- Parents of the Baptized
- Baptismal Date
- If the specific date of the baptism is not known, the birthdate or an estimate of the month the baptism was held may be given.
- Purpose of Baptismal Certificate
2. Pay a visit to the parish or church office.
Inquire about obtaining a Baptismal Certificate with the staff. You could be asked to fill out a form or jot down the information.
3. Settle your payment
Pay a fee ranging from PHP 50 to PHP 200, depending on the Church. You may be asked to return after a few days.
4. Claim the baptismal certificate
Obtain the baptism certificate. Please present the receipt as well as identification to claim it.
Can I request for Baptismal Certificate in PSA
Photo by RODNAE Productions
The Philippine Statistics Authority processes requests for birth certificates only. They do not cover requests for baptismal certificate PSA.
The owner or his/her representatives can submit an application in person at various Census Serbilis Centers in the Philippines.
What is a birth certificate?
A birth certificate is a legal document that confirms the birth of a child. It is an official document that includes a person’s name, sex, mother’s name, and (usually) father’s name, as well as their birth date and location.
Furthermore, a birth certificate can also refer to the original document as well as a certified correct copy or representation of the original record.
READ MORE:
Late registration of birth certificate: 4 steps you need to follow
Spotted a mistake in your baby’s birth certificate? 4 steps to correct this
Planning a baptism: 6 things to remember
The mother’s physician files the necessary documentation with the appropriate government agency, usually the local civil registrar’s office, to issue the birth certificate immediately after birth.
The birth certificate authenticates one’s identity and nationality. You may need a birth certificate for several reasons. For example, you may need it to enroll in school, apply for a passport, or get a driver’s license.
An interested party must supply the following information to assist in verification and certification:
- Complete name of the child (first, middle, last) and father
- The complete maiden name of the mother
- Date of birth (month, day, year)
- Place of birth (city/municipality, province)
- Year of registration
- Complete name and address of the requesting party
- Relationship to the child
- Number of copies needed
- Purpose of the certification
Remember that birth certificates are subject to the privacy clause of Article 7 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code:
Art. 7. Nondisclosure of birth records. The records of a person’s birth shall be kept strictly confidential and no information relating thereto shall be issued except at the request of any of the following:
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The person himself, or any person authorized by him;
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His spouse, his parent or parents, his direct descendants, or the guardian or institution legally in charge of him, if he is a minor;
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The court or proper public official whenever absolutely necessary in administrative, judicial, or other official proceedings to determine the identity of the child’s parents or other circumstances surrounding his birth; and
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In case of the person’s death, the nearest of kin.
How to get a birth certificate online at PSA
You can ask for a birth certificate online by applying online in this link: https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/
1. Application Entry
Fill out the application form online and prepare the following information:
- Number of copies you are requesting for
- Name
- Sex
- Place of Birth
- Date of Birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s Maiden Name
- Purpose of your request
- Relationship to the birth certificate owner
- Your name
- Delivery address
- Telephone number
- Valid email address
2. Payment
Pay through accredited payment channels.
3. Delivery
Wait for the delivery. Make sure that you have input the right address.
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