The Philippines, a vibrant Southeast Asian nation, is known for its sprawling archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each with its own unique culture and charm. From bustling urban centers like Manila and Cebu to serene rural landscapes, addressing mail accurately in the Philippines requires understanding its specific postal structure.

Whether you’re sending mail to a bustling city or a remote barangay, adhering to the correct format ensures timely and accurate delivery. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Philippine address formatting for residential, business, and international mail, along with tips for navigating unique regional addressing quirks.

Recipient Name

Always write the recipient’s full name on the first line. If sending to a business, include the company name first, followed by the recipient’s name or department.

Street Address or PO Box (P.O. Box) 

Include the house or building number, followed by the street name. If the recipient relies on a Post Office Box, mention “P.O. Box” followed by the box number. 

Barangay/Subdivision, City/Municipality, and Province

The Philippines often uses barangays (small administrative units) for additional clarity. Add the barangay name and the subdivision name if the address includes one. You also need to add the city or municipality, and the province if applicable. 

Postal Code

Philippines relies on a four-digit postal code system. These codes are specific to each municipality or region. Use the correct code to ensure timely delivery. 

Country Name

Write the country name in the last line. If you are sending international mail, always write the country name in capital letters.

Rural Address Format

In rural areas without formal street names, include the name of the barangay or village, followed by the nearest major town, postal code, department, and country.

Business Address Format

Include the company name and department before listing the standard address. To ensure that the internal distribution system sends mail to the correct office and desk, write ATTN in front of the name.

International Address Format for NGOs and Organizations

For international organizations or NGOs operating in the Philippines, include the name of the organization followed by the specific department or program.

PO Box Address Format

For letters sent to a Post Office Box, use “P.O. Box” followed by the corresponding box number in place of the street address.

Military Address Format

Mail for military personnel should include their unit and base details, handled through the Philippine postal system. 

Government Office Address Format

When addressing mail to government offices in the Philippines, ensure to include the name of the office or department before listing the street address or PO Box. Specify any divisions or bureaus for precise internal routing.

Address Format for Courier Services

When using courier services like LBC, JRS Express, DHL, or FedEx to send packages within or to the Philippines, include additional details like contact numbers for seamless delivery. This is especially helpful for areas that are difficult to locate or have incomplete street markings.

The Philippine Postal Corporation, commonly known as “PHLPost”, is the primary government agency overseeing postal services in the Philippines. Established in 1992 to replace the Bureau of Posts, it has a legacy that dates back to 1767, when postal services began under Spanish colonial rule. 

PHLPost operates a network of over 1,300 post offices nationwide, covering all 81 provinces, 17 regions, and more than 1,600 cities and municipalities. It provides both domestic and international mail services, ranging from standard letters to parcel delivery, as well as specialized offerings like express mail and money remittance services. With its four-digit postal code system, PHLPost ensures precise and efficient delivery across the archipelago. 

Address for Multiple Recipients Format

To address a letter to multiple recipients at the same address, write each name on a separate line. When sending mail to multiple recipients at the same address in Phillippines, it’s important to list each recipient’s name on separate lines to ensure clarity and proper delivery.