How to Register a Foundling
A foundling is an infant or child who has been abandoned, deserted, or separated from parents and whose identity is unknown. Under Philippine law, specifically Presidential Decree No. 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) and Republic Act No. 8552 (Domestic Adoption Act), foundlings must be registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). The registration ensures the child has a legal identity, including a birth certificate, and can access government services, education, and other rights.
Foundling Registration at a Glance
Cost
FREE -- The filing fee is waived for foundling registration. Only minimal costs for supporting documents (such as notarization of affidavits) may apply.
Timeline
1-2 months for LCRO processing + 2-3 months for PSA reflection. Total estimated time from reporting to PSA birth certificate availability is approximately 3-5 months.
Key Fact
Under Philippine law, a foundling is presumed to be a natural-born Filipino citizen (RA 9225 and the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares). All foundlings are entitled to a birth certificate.
Who is Considered a Foundling?
Under Philippine law, the following individuals are considered foundlings and are eligible for foundling registration:
Abandoned in a Public Place
An infant or child found abandoned in a public place such as a park, street, market, or any other open area, with no parent or guardian present and no identifying information.
Parents Unknown
A child whose parents are unknown and cannot be located despite reasonable efforts by authorities, DSWD, and community members to trace the biological parents or relatives.
Left in an Institution
A child left in a hospital, church, school, orphanage, or any other institution by an unidentified person, with no identifying documents, notes, or information about the child's parentage.
Turned Over to DSWD
A child turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any licensed child-caring institution by a person who is not the parent or guardian and cannot provide information about the child's identity.
Who Can File for Foundling Registration?
- The person or institution who found/received the child (the "finder") -- any private individual who physically discovered the abandoned child has the right and obligation to initiate the reporting process.
- DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) -- the primary government agency responsible for the welfare of foundlings. DSWD typically handles the filing of the birth registration with the LCRO.
- Licensed child-caring or child-placing agency -- any DSWD-accredited institution that provides care for abandoned, neglected, or orphaned children.
- Head of a hospital, clinic, or institution where the child was left -- hospital administrators, clinic heads, or institutional directors who received the child.
- Any barangay official or police officer who received the child -- the barangay captain, barangay kagawad, or any PNP officer who received the foundling report or took custody of the child.
Documentary Requirements
The following documents are required for foundling registration at the LCRO. Most of these are prepared with the assistance of DSWD.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Foundling Certificate | Issued by the DSWD or the finder. This official document certifies that the child is a foundling whose parents are unknown. It includes the child's physical description, estimated age, and the circumstances of finding. |
| Certificate of Live Birth | To be accomplished at the LCRO with all available information. The civil registrar fills out the form based on the Foundling Certificate, medical examination results, and other supporting documents. The estimated date and place of birth are entered based on the physician's assessment. |
| Affidavit of Finding | A sworn statement of the person who found the child, including: the date, time, and place of finding; a description of the child (approximate age, sex, physical appearance); the circumstances of finding; and any items or documents found with the child. This must be notarized by a notary public. |
| DSWD Certification or Social Case Study Report | An official certification or report issued by the DSWD social worker assigned to the case. This includes the results of the social case study, efforts to trace the parents, and the recommendation for the child's placement and registration. |
| Medical Certificate | Issued by a government physician who examined the child. The medical certificate estimates the child's age, documents the child's health status, physical condition, weight, height, sex, and any notable health findings. This is used to determine the approximate date of birth. |
| Barangay Blotter Report or Police Report | An official blotter entry from the barangay hall or police station where the finding was reported. This serves as the official record and corroborates the finder's affidavit. It includes the date and time of the report, the name of the reporting person, and the circumstances of the finding. |
| Valid ID of the Finder or Institutional Head | At least one valid government-issued ID of the person who found and reported the child, or the head of the institution where the child was left (e.g., Philippine passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, SSS/GSIS ID, UMID). Original and photocopy required. |
| Photos of the Child | Recent photographs of the child taken at or shortly after the time of finding. These are used for identification purposes and are kept on file by the DSWD and the LCRO. Typically, at least two (2) copies are required. |
| Filing Fee | No filing fee. The filing fee is waived for foundling registration. This is a free government service. The DSWD and LCRO do not charge for processing foundling certificates and birth registration. |
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Follow these seven steps to register a foundling -- from the moment the child is discovered to the issuance of the PSA birth certificate.
Report the Foundling to Authorities
Immediately report the finding to the nearest barangay hall, police station, or DSWD office. A blotter entry must be made documenting the report, including the date, time, and location of the finding, the condition of the child, and the identity of the person making the report. This blotter report is a critical document required throughout the entire registration process.
Turn Over the Child to DSWD or a Licensed Child-Caring Agency
The child must be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or a licensed child-caring agency. The DSWD will conduct a social case study, assess the child's condition, make efforts to trace the parents, and issue a Foundling Certificate certifying that the child is a foundling whose parents are unknown.
Get a Medical Examination
A government physician examines the child to assess the child's health status and estimate the child's age. The physician issues a Medical Certificate documenting the child's estimated age, sex, weight, height, physical condition, and any notable health findings. This medical assessment is used to determine the approximate date of birth for the birth certificate.
Execute an Affidavit of Finding
The finder prepares a sworn statement (Affidavit of Finding) detailing when, where, and how the child was found. The affidavit must include the exact date, time, and location of the finding; a description of the child's condition and physical appearance; the circumstances surrounding the discovery; and any items or documents found with the child. This affidavit must be notarized.
Go to the LCRO Where the Child Was Found
Bring all documents to the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the child was found. The DSWD social worker typically handles the filing, but the finder or institutional head may also submit the documents. The LCRO will review the completeness of the documentary requirements before proceeding with the registration.
LCRO Prepares the Certificate of Live Birth
The civil registrar prepares and accomplishes the Certificate of Live Birth for the foundling. The civil registrar assigns a name to the child (if no name is known), assigns the date and place of birth (based on the medical estimate), and officially registers the foundling in the local civil registry. A registry number is assigned to the birth certificate.
LCRO Forwards Registration to PSA
After registration, the LCRO transmits the registered Certificate of Live Birth and all supporting documents to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for inclusion in the national civil registry database. This process typically takes 2 to 3 months. Once the PSA has processed the document, a PSA-authenticated copy of the birth certificate becomes available for request through PSA Serbilis outlets or the PSA Helpline website.
Naming of Foundlings
The naming of foundlings follows specific conventions established by the DSWD and LCRO:
- If the child has no known name, the LCRO assigns a name. The civil registrar, in coordination with the DSWD, will assign a complete name (first name, middle name, and surname) to the foundling for purposes of the birth certificate.
- The first name may be suggested by the finder or DSWD. In practice, the DSWD social worker or the finder may suggest a first name for the child, and the civil registrar generally accommodates such suggestions.
- The surname is typically "delos Santos," "de la Cruz," or another common Filipino surname (as decided by the civil registrar). The DSWD and LCRO follow naming conventions that assign commonly used Filipino surnames to foundlings.
- The name can be changed later through legal adoption proceedings. If the foundling is subsequently adopted, the adoptive parents may petition the court to change the child's name as part of the adoption decree. The new name will then be reflected in the amended birth certificate.
Complete Example: Baby Hope's Registration
A newborn girl was found outside a church in Cebu City. The parish priest reported to the barangay and police. The baby was turned over to DSWD. Here is the complete timeline:
Parish Priest Reported to Barangay, Police Blotter Filed
A newborn baby girl was found wrapped in a blanket on the steps of a church in Cebu City early in the morning. The parish priest immediately reported the finding to the nearest barangay hall and the Cebu City police station. A blotter entry was created documenting the report, including the date, time, location, and condition of the baby.
Baby Turned Over to DSWD Cebu, Social Worker Assigned
The baby was turned over to the custody of DSWD Region VII (Central Visayas) in Cebu City. A social worker was immediately assigned to handle the case. The baby was placed in a DSWD-licensed child-caring facility for proper care and nutrition.
Government Physician Examined Baby, Medical Certificate Issued
A government physician at the Cebu City Medical Center examined the baby and estimated her age at approximately 3 days old. The physician documented the baby's weight, height, sex (female), physical condition (healthy, no signs of abuse), and issued a Medical Certificate with the estimated date of birth.
DSWD Conducted Social Case Study, Issued Foundling Certificate
The DSWD social worker conducted a thorough social case study, including interviews with the parish priest, review of the blotter reports, and community inquiries to trace the parents. No parents or relatives came forward. The DSWD issued a Foundling Certificate certifying the baby as a foundling.
Parish Priest Executed Affidavit of Finding
The parish priest executed a notarized Affidavit of Finding, providing a detailed sworn statement of the circumstances of the discovery -- including the exact date, time, location (church steps), and the condition of the baby when found.
DSWD Social Worker Filed Registration at Cebu City LCRO
The DSWD social worker compiled all documents -- Foundling Certificate, Affidavit of Finding, blotter reports, Medical Certificate, and photographs -- and filed them with the Cebu City Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO).
Civil Registrar Registered the Child
The Cebu City Civil Registrar registered the child as "Hope delos Santos," born approximately on the estimated date, female, foundling. The birth certificate was accomplished with all available information and assigned a registry number. The documents were then prepared for transmission to the PSA.
PSA Reflected the Registration
Approximately 3-4 months after the LCRO registration, the PSA processed and entered the foundling's birth record into the national civil registry database. A PSA-authenticated copy of the birth certificate for "Hope delos Santos" became available for request through PSA Serbilis outlets and the PSA Helpline website.
Cost & Timeline Summary
The entire registration process was free. The only potential cost was the notarization of the Affidavit of Finding, which was waived by the notary as a public service. The PSA copy fee (P155) applies only when a certified copy is requested later.
Rights of Foundlings
Under Philippine law, registered foundlings enjoy the following rights and protections:
- Right to a name and nationality (presumed Filipino citizen) -- foundlings found in the Philippines are presumed to be natural-born Filipino citizens under the 1987 Constitution and the Supreme Court ruling in Poe-Llamanzares v. COMELEC. They have the right to Filipino citizenship with all attendant rights and privileges.
- Right to a birth certificate -- every foundling is entitled to be registered in the civil registry and to receive a birth certificate, which is the foundational document for accessing all government services and legal rights.
- Right to education, healthcare, and social services -- foundlings have the same rights as all Filipino children to free basic education, healthcare services, and social welfare programs provided by the government.
- Right to be placed in a loving home (adoption or foster care through DSWD) -- foundlings have the right to be placed in a nurturing family environment. The DSWD facilitates foster care placement and adoption proceedings to ensure the child grows up in a stable and caring home.
- Right to know their identity if parents are later found -- if the biological parents or relatives of the foundling are identified at a later time, the foundling has the right to know their true identity and parentage, subject to the best interest of the child as determined by the DSWD and the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foundlings Filipino citizens?
Yes. Foundlings are presumed to be natural-born Filipino citizens under Philippine law. This principle is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution (Article IV, Section 1) and was conclusively affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case involving Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares. The Court held that foundlings discovered in the Philippines are presumed to have been born to Filipino parents based on statistical probability, and that international law -- including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child -- supports the right of foundlings to a nationality. As natural-born citizens, foundlings can vote, hold public office, own land, and exercise all rights of Filipino citizens.
What if the parents are found later?
If the biological parents or relatives are identified after the foundling has been registered, the registration can be amended. The parents can claim the child through proper legal process, which involves filing a petition with the DSWD and, if necessary, the courts. If the child has not yet been adopted, the DSWD will assess whether reunification with the biological family is in the best interest of the child. The birth certificate may then be corrected or annotated to reflect the true parentage through a court order or an administrative petition at the LCRO. If the child has already been adopted, the adoption decree is generally final and irrevocable, and the adoptive parents remain the legal parents.
Can the foundling's name be changed?
Yes. The foundling's name can be changed through adoption proceedings -- when the child is adopted, the adoptive parents may petition the court to assign a new name as part of the adoption decree. The name can also be changed through a petition under RA 9048 (administrative change of first name) if the grounds are met. In all cases, the change of name must go through the proper legal channels and be reflected in the civil registry through an amended or annotated birth certificate.
What happens after registration?
After the foundling is registered and issued a birth certificate, the DSWD handles custody of the child. The child is placed in a DSWD-licensed child-caring institution where proper care, nutrition, and medical attention are provided. The DSWD will continue efforts to trace the biological parents. If no parents are identified, the DSWD may declare the child legally available for adoption under RA 8552 (Domestic Adoption Act) or RA 8043 (Inter-Country Adoption Act). The child may also be placed in foster care while awaiting adoption. Throughout this process, the child's welfare and best interest remain the paramount consideration.
Is there a filing fee?
No. Foundling registration is a free government service. There is no filing fee for the registration of a foundling at the LCRO. The DSWD does not charge for the issuance of the Foundling Certificate or the preparation of the Certificate of Live Birth form. The only potential minor cost is the notarization fee for the Affidavit of Finding, which some notaries may waive for foundling-related cases. Later, when a PSA-authenticated copy of the birth certificate is requested, the standard fee of P155 per copy applies.
Where should the foundling be registered?
The foundling should be registered at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the child was found. The LCRO of the place of finding has jurisdiction over the registration. The DSWD regional office coordinates with the appropriate LCRO to ensure the registration is filed in the correct jurisdiction. After local registration, the LCRO forwards the documents to the PSA for inclusion in the national civil registry database.
Important Reminders
- Report immediately: The finding of a foundling must be reported to the nearest barangay hall or police station as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours. Failure to report may result in criminal liability under the Revised Penal Code.
- Do not keep the child privately: Under Philippine law, only the DSWD and DSWD-accredited institutions are authorized to handle the care and custody of abandoned children. Keeping a foundling without DSWD involvement may constitute simulation of birth or child trafficking under RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act).
- Preserve all items found with the child: Do not discard any clothing, blankets, notes, or other items found with the child. These may be critical for identification purposes or future tracing of the biological parents.
- Seek immediate medical attention: If the foundling appears to be in distress or in need of medical care, bring the child to the nearest hospital or health center immediately. The child's health and safety take priority over the reporting process.
- Registration is free: The entire foundling registration process is a free government service. Do not pay fixers or middlemen who claim to expedite the process for a fee.
- Foundlings are natural-born Filipino citizens: A registered foundling is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a natural-born Filipino citizen, including the right to vote, hold public office, own land, and travel with a Philippine passport.
- Cooperate with DSWD: The DSWD may conduct an investigation to trace the parents or relatives of the foundling. The finder and other witnesses are expected to cooperate fully with the investigation.
- The child's name can be changed through adoption: If the foundling is adopted, the adoptive parents may petition the court to change the child's name. The new name will be reflected in the amended birth certificate issued by the PSA.
Need Help?
Contact DSWD
- DSWD Central Office: Batasan Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City
- Hotline: (02) 8931-8101 to 07
- Bantay Bata 163: Dial 163 (nationwide toll-free child abuse hotline)
- Email: inquiry@dswd.gov.ph
- Website: www.dswd.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact PSA & LCRO
- PSA Civil Registry: PSA Complex, East Avenue, Quezon City
- PSA Helpline: (02) 8461-0500
- PSA Website: www.psa.gov.ph
- PSA Online: psahelpline.ph
- LCRO: Visit the City Hall or Municipal Hall of the city/municipality where the foundling was found
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PSA office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PSA office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.