MANILA, Philippines — Who am I? Where did I come from?
People plagued by these questions can find the answers at the FamilySearch archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, which has copies of all civil registries in the Philippines dating to the 16th century.
The records, which are free and open to the public, have helped orphans wanting to trace their birth parents, people looking for blood kin for medical reasons, and historians researching their books.
It has helped people to know and understand their roots, according to the FamilySearch archivists.
Knowing that ones ancestor was a hero could be a source of inspiration, they said. Or if he was a cad or a criminal, then one could learn from his mistakes and strive to do better, they added.
You cannot change history. You can hide it, but the fact is, its there, said Manny Baul, country manager of the FamilySearch archives.
The FamilySearch database is also useful for people who want to know their familys medical history, particularly those at risk for diseases that are passed down through the generations, he said.