A Philippine Legal Article

I. Introduction

In the Philippine basic education system, a student’s permanent school record is one of the most important academic documents. It contains the learner’s enrollment history, grades, promotions, eligibility for transfer or graduation, and other official school data.

For many years, this document was commonly called Form 137. Under the current school records system of the Department of Education, it is commonly referred to as School Form 10, or SF10, also known as the Learner’s Permanent Academic Record.

A certified true copy of School Form 10 may be required for transfer, college admission, employment, scholarship applications, immigration, foreign school evaluation, correction of records, legal proceedings, or personal recordkeeping. Because SF10 is a permanent school record containing personal and educational data, schools do not usually release it casually. The requesting person must follow proper procedures and prove authority to obtain the record.

This article explains how certified true copies of School Form 10 permanent records may be obtained in the Philippine context.

II. What Is School Form 10?

School Form 10, or SF10, is the learner’s permanent academic record in the basic education system. It generally contains the learner’s personal information and academic performance across grade levels.

It is the modern counterpart of what many parents, graduates, schools, and agencies still call Form 137.

Depending on the learner’s level and school system, the SF10 may include:

learner reference number, or LRN;
full name of learner;
date and place of birth;
sex;
name of parents or guardians;
school years attended;
schools attended;
grade levels completed;
subjects taken;
grades earned;
general averages;
remarks such as promoted, retained, irregular, transferred, or graduated;
eligibility for admission to the next grade level;
certification by school officials;
school seal or official markings;
disciplinary or administrative notations, if applicable under school rules;
records of transfer, graduation, or completion.

The exact form and content may vary depending on whether the learner was in elementary, junior high school, senior high school, public school, private school, or an older curriculum.

III. SF10, Form 137, and Permanent Records

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions:

A. Form 137

“Form 137” is the traditional name for the permanent school record. Many older graduates and institutions still use this term.

B. School Form 10

“SF10” is the current DepEd terminology for the learner’s permanent academic record.

C. Permanent Record

“Permanent record” is the broader description. It refers to the official school record maintained by the school or its successor custodian.

In practice, a person requesting “Form 137,” “SF10,” or “permanent record” is often referring to the same or equivalent document.

IV. Certified True Copy Versus Original Record

A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that the authorized school official certifies as a faithful reproduction of the record on file.

The original SF10 is usually retained by the school or transmitted directly between schools. It is not ordinarily surrendered permanently to the learner or parent.

A certified true copy may bear:

the notation “Certified True Copy”;
signature of the school head, registrar, records officer, or authorized official;
printed name and designation of the certifying official;
school seal;
date of certification;
page markings;
dry seal, wet seal, or official stamp;
certification statement that the copy is true and correct based on school records.

A certified true copy is not the same as a mere photocopy. A photocopy becomes a certified true copy only when properly certified by the lawful custodian or authorized official.

V. Who Keeps the SF10?

The custodian depends on the student’s current or last school attended.

A. Current school

For currently enrolled learners, the current school maintains active learner records.

B. Last school attended

For graduates or former students, the last school attended usually retains the permanent record, unless the record has been transferred, archived, or assumed by another custodian.

C. Transferee students

When a learner transfers, the receiving school usually requests the permanent record from the previous school. The original or official copy may be transmitted school-to-school.

D. Closed private schools

If a private school has closed, records may have been turned over to the proper DepEd division office, regional office, successor school, or other authorized custodian.

E. Public schools

Public school records are usually maintained by the school, subject to DepEd records management rules. Older records may be archived depending on local procedures.

VI. Who May Request a Certified True Copy?

Because SF10 contains personal information, access is restricted.

The following persons may generally request or authorize release:

the learner, if of legal age;
the parent or legal guardian, if the learner is a minor;
the school where the learner is transferring or applying;
a duly authorized representative;
a court or government agency with lawful authority;
a foreign credential evaluation agency, if properly authorized by the learner;
an employer, scholarship institution, or other requesting body, if supported by consent or authorization.

For minors, schools generally require the request to come from a parent, legal guardian, or authorized school official. For adults, the graduate or former student should personally request or issue a written authorization.

VII. Common Reasons for Requesting Certified True Copies

Certified true copies of SF10 may be needed for:

transfer to another school;
enrollment in college or university;
admission to senior high school;
scholarship application;
employment application;
professional credential evaluation;
immigration or visa application;
foreign school admission;
authentication or apostille-related document preparation;
correction of name, birth date, or school records;
court proceedings;
administrative proceedings;
personal archive;
replacement of lost school documents;
compliance with government agency requirements.

The purpose matters because schools may apply different release procedures depending on whether the copy is for personal use or official transfer.

VIII. General Procedure to Obtain a Certified True Copy

The procedure may vary by school, but the usual steps are as follows:

Step 1: Identify the correct school or custodian

Start with the school where the learner last attended or graduated.

If the school has changed name, merged, closed, or transferred ownership, inquire with:

the current school administration;
the school division office;
the DepEd regional office;
the local government education office, if relevant;
former school officials or alumni office, if available;
successor institution, if one exists.

For private schools that closed, the DepEd division office is often the practical starting point.

Step 2: Prepare a written request

The request should state:

full name of learner while enrolled;
current full name, if changed;
date of birth;
LRN, if known;
grade level or year graduated;
school years attended;
section, adviser, or class details, if known;
purpose of request;
number of certified true copies requested;
whether the document is for pickup, mailing, or direct transmission;
contact details of requester;
relationship to learner;
signature of requester.

Step 3: Present valid identification

The requester should present valid government-issued ID or other acceptable identification.

Examples include:

Philippine national ID or ePhilID;
passport;
driver’s license;
UMID;
SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG ID;
voter’s ID or voter’s certification;
postal ID;
PRC ID;
school ID, for current students;
company ID, if accepted by the school;
foreign government ID, for persons abroad.

Step 4: Submit authorization, if applicable

If the requester is not the learner, parent, or legal guardian, the school may require:

authorization letter;
photocopy of the learner’s valid ID;
photocopy of representative’s valid ID;
proof of relationship;
special power of attorney, if required;
court order, guardianship papers, or custody documents, if applicable.

Step 5: Pay required fees, if any

Public schools may have different rules from private schools. Some schools may charge reasonable fees for reproduction, certification, mailing, or administrative processing. Others may release records without charge depending on policy and purpose.

Fees should be paid only through official school channels, and receipts should be requested.

Step 6: Wait for processing

Processing time depends on:

age of the record;
whether the record is active or archived;
whether the learner’s details are complete;
whether the school has digitized records;
whether the school is public or private;
whether records were damaged, lost, or transferred;
whether correction or verification is needed.

Older records may take longer to locate.

Step 7: Claim the certified true copy

Upon release, check that:

the learner’s name is correct;
date of birth is correct;
school year and grade levels are complete;
all pages are included;
all pages are certified or properly attached;
the school seal appears where required;
the signature and designation of certifying official are present;
the date of certification is indicated;
purpose-specific markings are correct;
envelope sealing or direct transmittal requirements are followed, if applicable.

IX. Documents Commonly Required

A requester should be prepared to submit:

written request letter;
valid ID of learner or graduate;
valid ID of requester;
authorization letter, if representative;
proof of relationship, if parent or guardian;
birth certificate, if needed to prove identity or parentage;
marriage certificate, if name changed by marriage;
affidavit of discrepancy, if there are name differences;
court order or civil registry documents, if records require correction;
school clearance, if required by school policy;
payment receipt, if fees apply;
mailing details, if delivery is requested.

Schools may require additional documents depending on the situation.

X. Sample Request Letter

[Date]

The Registrar / School Principal / Records Officer [Name of School] [School Address]

Subject: Request for Certified True Copy of School Form 10 / Permanent Record

Dear Sir/Madam:

I respectfully request the issuance of [number] certified true copy/copies of my School Form 10 / Learner’s Permanent Academic Record / Form 137.

My details are as follows:

Name while enrolled: [Full Name]
Current name, if different: [Full Name]
Date of birth: [Date]
Learner Reference Number, if known: [LRN]
Grade level/year completed: [Grade/Year]
School year attended or graduated: [School Year]
Section/adviser, if known: [Details]

The certified true copy is needed for [state purpose].

Attached are copies of my valid identification and other supporting documents. I am willing to comply with any additional school requirements and pay the proper fees, if any.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

[Signature] [Name] [Contact Number] [Email Address]

XI. Authorization Letter for Representative

If the learner cannot personally request or claim the record, an authorization letter may be used.

[Date]

The Registrar / School Principal / Records Officer [Name of School]

Subject: Authorization to Request and Claim Certified True Copy of SF10

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, [Name of Learner/Graduate], authorize [Name of Representative], my [relationship], to request and/or claim on my behalf the certified true copy of my School Form 10 / Permanent Record / Form 137 from [Name of School].

My details are:

Name while enrolled: [Full Name]
Date of birth: [Date]
School year attended or graduated: [School Year]
LRN, if known: [LRN]

This authorization is issued for [purpose].

Attached are copies of my valid ID and the valid ID of my authorized representative.

Respectfully,

[Signature of Learner/Graduate] [Name] [Contact Details]

Accepted by:

[Signature of Representative] [Name of Representative] [Contact Details]

XII. Special Power of Attorney

For ordinary school record requests, an authorization letter may be enough. However, some schools, foreign agencies, or circumstances may require a Special Power of Attorney, especially where:

the learner is abroad;
the representative will request multiple records;
the record will be used for immigration or foreign credential evaluation;
the school requires notarized authority;
there are sensitive record discrepancies;
the requester is not an immediate family member;
the record will be mailed overseas;
the representative will execute undertakings or certifications.

A special power of attorney should clearly state the authority to request, receive, sign, and process school records.

XIII. If the Student Is a Minor

For a minor student, the request is usually made by:

parent;
legal guardian;
receiving school;
authorized representative of the parent or guardian.

The school may require:

parent’s valid ID;
student’s school ID or birth certificate;
proof of guardianship;
authorization letter;
custody documents, if parents are separated;
court order, in contested custody cases.

If there is a custody dispute, the school may be cautious and may require legal documents before releasing records.

XIV. If the Student Is Already an Adult

If the learner is already of legal age, the school may require the adult learner’s own request or consent, even if a parent is requesting the record.

This is because the record contains personal data. Parents do not automatically have unlimited access to the adult child’s academic records unless authorized or legally entitled.

XV. Data Privacy Considerations

SF10 contains personal information and educational records. Schools must protect such records from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.

For this reason, schools may refuse to release the record to:

relatives without authorization;
employers without consent;
neighbors or family friends;
former spouses without authority;
agencies with unclear purpose;
persons claiming urgency but lacking proof of identity;
persons requesting by phone without written authority.

The school may verify the identity of the requester and the legitimacy of the request. This is not merely bureaucracy; it protects the learner’s privacy and prevents identity theft or misuse of school records.

XVI. Direct School-to-School Transmission

In transfer cases, the permanent record is often sent directly from the previous school to the receiving school.

A parent or learner may first secure:

certificate of enrollment or admission from the receiving school;
request letter from the receiving school;
transfer credentials;
school clearance from the previous school;
other documents required by DepEd or school policy.

The previous school may refuse to hand the original permanent record directly to the student and may instead transmit it to the receiving school.

A certified true copy for personal use is different from the original official record transferred between schools.

XVII. Can the Original SF10 Be Released to the Student?

Usually, no.

The original permanent record is part of the official school records system. Schools ordinarily retain custody or transmit it only through official channels. A learner may request certified true copies, but not permanent possession of the original.

If a receiving school requires the original or official record, the proper procedure is usually a school-to-school request.

XVIII. Requesting Records from a Public School

For public schools, the request is usually directed to the school principal, registrar, records custodian, or designated administrative officer.

The requester should prepare:

written request;
valid ID;
authorization, if applicable;
school clearance, if required;
details needed to locate the record;
any fee or reproduction cost, if permitted under policy.

If the public school cannot locate the record, the requester may ask for assistance from the Schools Division Office.

XIX. Requesting Records from a Private School

For private schools, the request is usually made through the registrar, records office, principal, or school administrator.

Private schools may impose internal procedures such as:

clearance of financial or property obligations;
request form;
processing fee;
scheduled release date;
verification of identity;
authorization for representatives;
direct mailing to requesting institution.

However, schools must still act reasonably and comply with applicable laws and education regulations.

XX. If the School Requires Clearance

Some schools require a learner to secure clearance before release of records. Clearance may involve:

library obligations;
laboratory or equipment accountability;
financial obligations;
return of school property;
disciplinary or administrative matters;
registrar’s clearance.

The legality and scope of withholding records may depend on the type of school, purpose of request, applicable DepEd rules, and the circumstances. In urgent cases, especially for transfer or continued education, the requester may elevate the concern to school officials or the DepEd division office.

XXI. If the School Has Closed

When a school has closed, the procedure becomes more complex.

Possible steps:

determine the school’s last known address and official name;
check whether the school changed name or merged with another institution;
contact former administrators, if known;
inquire with the DepEd Schools Division Office covering the school’s location;
ask whether the records were turned over to DepEd;
check whether a successor school or corporate owner holds the records;
submit a written request with proof of identity;
provide as many student details as possible.

The request should include the learner’s complete name, school years attended, grade level, section, adviser, and any old documents such as report cards, certificates, graduation programs, IDs, or receipts.

XXII. If Records Were Lost, Damaged, or Destroyed

Records may be lost due to fire, flood, earthquake, typhoon, pest damage, relocation, closure, poor archiving, or war-era disruption for very old records.

If records are unavailable, possible remedies include:

request a certification of non-availability or loss of records;
reconstruct records using report cards, diplomas, certificates, class records, and other documents;
obtain affidavits from former teachers, school officials, or classmates;
coordinate with DepEd for record reconstruction;
use alternative proof required by the receiving institution;
secure court relief only if legally necessary.

A school should not issue a certified true copy of a record it does not possess. It may issue a certification explaining the status of the records, if appropriate.

XXIII. If There Are Errors in the SF10

Errors may involve:

misspelled name;
wrong middle name;
wrong date of birth;
wrong sex;
wrong LRN;
incorrect grades;
missing subjects;
wrong school year;
incomplete promotion remarks;
incorrect parent or guardian names;
mismatched name due to adoption, legitimation, marriage, or correction of civil registry.

The remedy depends on whether the error is clerical, administrative, or substantive.

A. Clerical or typographical errors

The school may correct minor clerical errors based on supporting documents, subject to school and DepEd procedures.

B. Civil registry-based errors

If the school record conflicts with the birth certificate, PSA documents may be required.

C. Grade or academic errors

Corrections to grades require stronger proof, such as class records, teacher records, report cards, grading sheets, or official school records. A school cannot casually change grades based only on the learner’s claim.

D. Name changes

Changes due to marriage, court correction, legitimation, adoption, or similar legal events require proper legal documents.

XXIV. If the Learner’s Name Has Changed

If the learner’s name changed after enrollment, the requester should present documents showing the link between the old and new names.

Examples:

PSA birth certificate;
PSA marriage certificate;
court order;
certificate of finality;
amended birth certificate;
adoption decree;
legitimation documents;
affidavit of one and the same person;
valid IDs showing old and new names.

The school may issue the certified true copy using the name in the record, with appropriate annotation or certification depending on policy and supporting documents.

XXV. Apostille and Use Abroad

For use abroad, a certified true copy of SF10 may need additional processing.

Depending on the foreign institution or government agency, the applicant may need:

certified true copy from the school;
certification, authentication, or verification from DepEd;
notarization, if required;
apostille or consular authentication, depending on destination country and document type;
sealed envelope transmission;
direct sending by school to foreign evaluator;
certified English translation, if any part is not in English.

The receiving foreign institution’s requirements should be checked carefully because some require records to be sent directly by the school, not carried by the applicant.

XXVI. Certified True Copy for College Admission

Colleges and universities may ask for:

original Form 138 or report card;
Form 137 or SF10 sent directly by the previous school;
certificate of good moral character;
certificate of completion or graduation;
PSA birth certificate;
entrance exam documents.

A student should distinguish between:

Form 138 / Report Card, which is often given to the learner; and
SF10 / Form 137, which is the permanent record usually requested school-to-school.

A certified true copy may be enough for some purposes, but official transfer may require direct transmittal.

XXVII. Certified True Copy for Employment

Employers may request proof of education. A certified true copy of SF10 may be used, but many employers usually request diploma, transcript, certificate of graduation, or school certification.

If an employer requests SF10, the graduate should clarify:

whether a certified true copy is enough;
whether the employer needs direct verification from the school;
whether the document must be sealed;
whether grades are necessary;
whether a diploma or certificate will suffice instead.

Because SF10 contains detailed academic data, the graduate should provide it only when reasonably necessary.

XXVIII. Certified True Copy for Immigration or Visa Purposes

Immigration authorities, foreign schools, and credential evaluators may require certified school records.

The requester should ask whether the record must be:

certified by the school;
sealed in a school envelope;
signed across the flap;
verified by DepEd;
apostilled;
sent directly to a foreign institution;
accompanied by diploma or certificate of graduation;
translated;
notarized;
accompanied by proof of school recognition or accreditation.

Foreign requirements vary widely. A certified true copy alone may not be enough.

XXIX. Online Requests

Some schools allow online requests through email, portals, or registrar systems. The requester may be required to upload:

request form;
scanned valid ID;
authorization letter;
proof of payment;
delivery address;
proof of purpose.

The school may still require personal appearance or in-person claiming for sensitive records.

When requesting online, use official school email addresses or portals. Avoid sending IDs and personal data to unofficial social media accounts or unknown persons.

XXX. Requesting From Abroad

A graduate abroad may request through:

email to the school registrar;
school online portal;
authorized representative in the Philippines;
notarized authorization;
consularized or apostilled special power of attorney, if required;
courier arrangement;
direct mailing to foreign institution.

The requester should ask the school what form of authorization it accepts. Some schools accept scanned authorization with IDs; others require notarized or consularized documents.

XXXI. Timeframe for Release

There is no single release period that applies to every school and every record. Processing may take:

a few working days for recent and complete records;
longer for archived records;
longer for records before digitization;
longer if the school has closed;
longer if corrections are needed;
longer if the document must be verified by DepEd or prepared for foreign use.

The requester should avoid last-minute requests, especially for foreign deadlines.

XXXII. Fees

Fees may include:

certification fee;
photocopying fee;
documentary stamp, if applicable;
processing fee;
courier or mailing fee;
archive retrieval fee;
notarization fee, if needed;
DepEd certification or authentication-related fees, if applicable.

Ask for an official receipt. Avoid unofficial payments to intermediaries or fixers.

XXXIII. Can the School Refuse to Issue a Certified True Copy?

A school may refuse, defer, or limit release in certain situations, such as:

requester has no authority;
identity is not verified;
record is not in the school’s custody;
record cannot be located;
the request involves a minor and custody authority is unclear;
the request is inconsistent with privacy rules;
required documents are incomplete;
school clearance requirements are unresolved;
the record contains unresolved discrepancies;
court order or legal dispute affects release.

However, a school should not act arbitrarily. If refusal prevents a learner from transferring, enrolling, working, or complying with legal requirements, the requester may ask for written reasons and elevate the matter to higher school officials or DepEd.

XXXIV. What to Do if the School Does Not Respond

If the school does not act on the request, the requester may:

follow up in writing;
request an appointment with the registrar or school head;
ask for written status of the request;
provide missing details to help locate the record;
submit proof of urgency;
elevate to the school division office;
file a formal written complaint with DepEd, where appropriate;
seek legal advice if the refusal is unlawful or prejudicial.

Keep copies of all requests, emails, receipts, and proof of follow-up.

XXXV. Practical Tips for a Successful Request

To avoid delay:

use the learner’s exact name while enrolled;
provide old student number or LRN, if known;
state the exact school years attended;
mention grade level, section, and adviser;
attach a valid ID;
use a clear written request;
specify number of copies;
specify purpose;
ask whether sealed envelope or direct transmittal is required;
confirm fees and processing time;
check the certified copy before leaving;
request extra copies if future use is likely;
keep digital scans for personal reference;
never alter a certified copy.

XXXVI. Legal Effect of a Certified True Copy

A certified true copy may be accepted as secondary evidence of the contents of the original record, especially when issued by the lawful custodian. It may be used to prove education history, grades, completion, or enrollment, subject to the requirements of the requesting institution or court.

However, the receiving institution may still require:

direct verification from the school;
original certification;
sealed envelope;
DepEd verification;
apostille;
testimony or additional proof in contested legal proceedings.

A certified true copy is strong documentary evidence, but its sufficiency depends on the purpose.

XXXVII. Difference Between SF10 and Transcript of Records

For basic education, SF10 is the permanent academic record. In higher education, the comparable document is usually the Transcript of Records, or TOR.

A high school graduate applying to college may need SF10/Form 137. A college graduate applying for employment, graduate studies, board exams, or foreign evaluation usually needs a TOR.

Do not confuse these documents. A school cannot issue a TOR for basic education if the proper record is SF10, and a college cannot issue SF10 for college-level records.

XXXVIII. Difference Between SF10 and Form 138

Another common confusion is between Form 138 and SF10/Form 137.

Form 138

Form 138 is commonly known as the report card. It is usually issued to the learner or parent at the end of the grading period or school year.

SF10/Form 137

SF10/Form 137 is the permanent academic record maintained by the school. It is more official and comprehensive for transfer and permanent record purposes.

For transfer, schools often require both: the report card from the learner and the permanent record from the previous school.

XXXIX. Record Retention and Archiving

Permanent school records are intended to be retained for long periods because they prove educational attainment. Schools must maintain these records responsibly.

However, older records may be:

stored in archives;
kept in paper form;
partially digitized;
transferred to another office;
damaged by calamity;
mixed with old student numbering systems;
filed under old names or maiden names;
stored by school year rather than alphabetically.

When requesting old records, patience and complete identifying details are important.

XL. If the School Issued Only a Certification Instead of SF10

Sometimes a school may issue a certification of attendance, completion, or graduation instead of a certified true copy of SF10.

This may happen if:

the record is unavailable;
the requesting institution does not need grades;
the school cannot release the full record directly to the student;
the document is for employment, not transfer;
the record is being reconstructed;
old archives are incomplete.

If the requester specifically needs SF10, the request should clearly say so. If the school cannot issue it, ask for written explanation or a certification of record status.

XLI. If the School Will Send the Record Directly

Some institutions require the school to send SF10 directly in a sealed envelope. In that case, provide the school with:

complete name of recipient institution;
office or department;
mailing address;
email address, if electronic transmission is allowed;
reference number or applicant number;
deadline;
required envelope markings;
courier instructions;
payment for mailing;
contact person.

Ask for proof of mailing or transmittal.

XLII. Certification Wording

A typical certification may state:

“This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the School Form 10 / Learner’s Permanent Academic Record of [Name of Learner] on file with this school.”

It may be signed by:

school principal;
school head;
registrar;
records officer;
authorized administrative officer.

The official seal helps confirm authenticity.

XLIII. Red Flags and Fraud Prevention

Requesters and receiving institutions should watch for signs of irregular documents:

no school seal;
no signature;
unclear certifying authority;
inconsistent school name;
altered grades;
erasures;
mismatched fonts;
missing pages;
suspicious photocopies;
lack of contact information;
certification signed by unauthorized persons;
document offered by a fixer;
no official receipt for fees;
refusal to verify directly with the school.

Using fake school records can lead to criminal, academic, employment, and immigration consequences.

XLIV. Legal Risks of Altering or Misusing SF10

A person must not alter, forge, or misuse SF10 records.

Possible consequences include:

denial of admission;
dismissal from school;
termination from employment;
cancellation of scholarship;
immigration refusal;
criminal liability for falsification;
civil liability for damages;
administrative sanctions;
permanent reputational harm.

Certified true copies should be submitted exactly as issued.

XLV. Checklist Before Filing a Request

Before requesting a certified true copy, prepare:

Full name while enrolled;
Current name, if different;
Date of birth;
LRN or student number;
School years attended;
Grade level or year graduated;
Section or adviser, if known;
Purpose of request;
Number of copies needed;
Valid ID;
Authorization letter, if representative;
SPA, if required;
Proof of relationship, if parent or guardian;
Supporting documents for name discrepancy;
Payment for fees;
Mailing or transmittal details.

XLVI. Checklist Upon Receiving the Certified True Copy

Before accepting the document, verify:

Complete pages;
Correct name;
Correct date of birth;
Correct school year;
Correct grades;
Correct graduation or promotion remarks;
Signature of authorized official;
Printed name and designation;
School seal;
Date of certification;
Proper annexes, if any;
Sealed envelope, if required;
Official receipt, if paid.

Report errors immediately.

XLVII. Common Questions

1. Is SF10 the same as Form 137?

In common usage, yes. SF10 is the current term for the learner’s permanent academic record, while Form 137 is the traditional term.

2. Can I get my original SF10?

Usually, no. The school normally retains the original or transmits it directly to another school. You may request certified true copies.

3. Can my parent request my SF10 if I am already an adult?

The school may require your written authorization because your school record is personal information.

4. Can a representative claim it for me?

Yes, if the school accepts a proper authorization letter or special power of attorney and valid IDs.

5. What if I forgot my LRN?

You may still request the record by providing full name, date of birth, school years attended, grade level, section, and adviser.

6. What if the school closed?

Contact the DepEd Schools Division Office covering the school’s location and ask where the records were transferred.

7. Can I request online?

Some schools allow online requests, but procedures vary. Use only official school channels.

8. How many copies should I request?

Request enough for your immediate purpose and possible future use, especially if you are applying abroad.

9. Is a report card enough?

Not always. A report card is different from SF10. Transfer, college admission, or foreign evaluation may require SF10/Form 137.

10. Can the school correct wrong entries?

Yes, if supported by proper records and allowed under school and DepEd procedures. Substantive corrections require stronger proof.

XLVIII. Conclusion

Getting certified true copies of School Form 10 permanent records in the Philippines requires identifying the proper school or custodian, submitting a written request, proving identity and authority, paying lawful fees if any, and ensuring that the certified copy is properly signed and sealed.

SF10, historically known as Form 137, is a permanent academic record and is therefore handled with care. It is not usually released as an original document to the learner. Instead, schools issue certified true copies or transmit records directly to receiving institutions.

The most important practical points are simple: request from the last school attended, provide complete identifying details, prepare valid IDs and authorization documents, clarify the purpose, and check the certified copy carefully upon release. If the school has closed, if records are missing, or if entries are incorrect, coordination with the school, DepEd, and sometimes legal counsel may be necessary.