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Biodata format in the Philippines

A biodata (Philippines style), the kind local employers use, puts personal details first (civil status, religion, height, weight, parents), then education, work history and character references, with a 2x2 photo. Some local employers, schools and agencies still ask for one. You don't have to give your age or birth date: RA 10911 bars employers from requiring them.

Build my resumeCheck my ATS scoreUpdated 28 September 2026

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Philippine biodata at a glance

What it is
Biographical data: personal information, then education, employment record and character references.
Who asks
Some local employers, schools, factories, security and service agencies, and some overseas agencies.
Personal information
Name, address, contact, sex, civil status, citizenship, religion, height, weight, and sometimes parents' names.
Age and birth date
Optional under RA 10911: an employer can't require them.
Photo
2x2 formal photo, top right.
References
Usually two or three character references who aren't relatives.
Resume instead
BPOs, multinationals and online applications want a resume.
Never include
SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG or TIN numbers before you're hired, unless the form requires them.

Resume sample for the Philippines

A made-up person, in the layout described on this page. Build yours with any CVEmber template and download it as a PDF.

Biodata sample (service crew)

Jose Ramirez Bautista

Biodata · Applying for: Service Crew

Pasig City · +63 919 xxx xxxx · jose.bautista@example.com

Sex: Male · Civil status: Single · Citizenship: Filipino · Height: 5'7" · Languages: Filipino, English

Educational background

  • Senior High School (TVL, Food and Beverage Services), Pasig City Science High School · 2024
  • TESDA NC II, Food and Beverage Services · 2024

Employment record

  • Service Crew (part-time), Kape Tayo Café, Pasig · Jul 2024–present · Cashiering, food prep, opening and closing checklists.

Character references

  • Ms. Liza Garcia, Store Manager, Kape Tayo Café · +63 917 xxx xxxx
  • Mr. Ramon Cruz, TVL Coordinator, Pasig City Science High School · +63 918 xxx xxxx

Biodata vs resume

A resume leads with what you can do; a biodata leads with who you are. If the job post says “resume” or “CV”, or you're applying online or to a BPO, send a resume. Send a biodata only when it's asked for.

What you can leave out

RA 10911 lets you leave out your age and birth date. Religion, height and weight are also rarely needed; include them only if the employer's form asks and the job genuinely depends on them.

Government jobs: the PDS, not a biodata

Government agencies use the Civil Service Commission's Personal Data Sheet (CS Form 212) instead of a biodata. Fill in the latest version from the CSC.

Biodata Philippines format: the usual order

  1. “Biodata” heading, position applied for, and a 2x2 photo.
  2. Personal information: name, address, contact number, email, sex, civil status, citizenship; others only if asked.
  3. Educational background: tertiary, secondary, and vocational or TESDA.
  4. Employment record: most recent first, with dates and duties.
  5. Skills and trainings.
  6. Character references: two or three, not relatives.
  7. A signature line with the date.

Biodata mistakes

  • Sending a biodata to a BPO or multinational that asked for a resume.
  • Relatives as character references.
  • An old or casual photo.
  • Government ID numbers the employer doesn't need yet.

Bio data form: how to fill up a bio data

“Bio data” is how many applicants in the Philippines write biodata, and most people who search for a bio data form or a bio data form PDF want the same thing: a page to fill in and hand to the employer. A bio data example is easy to find, but the form itself is usually the employer's, handed out at the office, a job fair or an agency, so ask for theirs before you make your own.

To fill up a bio data, use blue or black ink or type it, write in full words, and answer every line, putting N/A where a line does not apply. Copy names, dates and addresses from your documents so the biodata matches your birth certificate, diploma and IDs. Write the position you are applying for at the top, attach the 2x2 photo, and sign and date it at the bottom. If no form is provided, the order above makes a bio data format that employers will recognize, and a biodata form you can fill up on a computer should be printed or saved as a PDF so the layout does not change.

Making one in CVEmber

Use a Simple template with the photo on, add languages, and list references in the experience or skills section as plain text. CVEmber has no dedicated fields for civil status, height or references, so type them where they fit, or fill the employer's own form.

Sources

Checked on 28 September 2026. Employers and portals change what they ask for, so always follow the job advert first.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

What is a biodata in the Philippines?

A document with your personal information, education, employment record and character references, usually with a 2x2 photo. Some local employers and agencies still ask for it.

Is a biodata the same as a resume?

No. A resume focuses on skills and experience; a biodata adds personal details. Send a resume unless a biodata is asked for.

Do I have to put my age on a biodata?

No. RA 10911 bars employers from requiring your age or birth date in an application.

Who can be my character reference?

Former supervisors, teachers or community leaders who know your work or character, not relatives.

What do government offices use instead?

The Civil Service Commission's Personal Data Sheet (CS Form 212).

How to fill up a bio data form?

Use the employer's form if there is one, write or type every line in full, put N/A where it does not apply, copy details from your documents, add the 2x2 photo, and sign and date it.

Where can I get a bio data form PDF?

Employers usually give their own form at the office, job fair or agency, or on their careers page. CVEmber does not provide a blank form; use the order above to make your own.

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