The Story Behind the NBI Clearance & the Red Ribbon

"The NBI Clearance"

The last time I got an NBI Clearance was June 08, 2009. Long time ago. Back then, I haven't had a hard time getting my clearance since I have the Clearance Renewal Card.

I got mine renewed at SM Megamall. The line was insane. from the lower ground up to the third floor I guess. Having this card was an advantage since you don't need to stand in line and wait. All you need to do is go straight to the cashier, pay the amount due, have your picture taken, do thumb marking and your done with ease.

But nowadays, getting an NBI Clearance is a hassle. After the sudden change in their system software, everyone's having a hard time getting one. Many Filipinos are complaining about it as seen in the news, that is, they need to go to NBI's office as early as 2AM and they'll just accommodate the first 100 person in queue, and the rest will have to go back the following day and be the first 100 waiting.

Since I needed to get my clearance renewed, I gave NBI's Hotline a ring to inquire. According to the other person on the line, their nearest office to us since I live in Quezon City is where else? The Quezon City Hall and Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall in Monumento, Caloocan. Since I tried going to the former before where the lines are crazy, I opted for Grand Central. Add to the burden is that the above Clearance Renewal Card is not honored anymore, meaning you need to start from scratch. What a waste of money! We paid an extra 120 Pesos for that card and since they changed their software it has no bearing. An absurd thought. Since I needed it, there's nothing I can do but to comply with their workflow.

All you have to do is:

1. Have 2 valid ID's ready. No need for the old clearance since they're using a new software.
2. Go to the nearest NBI office or satellite stations.

And there another hassle begins. Upon arriving at Grand Central's 5th level, I was happy because I saw that the line wasn't that long and I told my self that I'll finish it in less time. But much to my surprise, they'll only give you a priority number and a designated date of when to come back and have your document processed.

I got priority # 49 and I need to go back there on the 9th of August. Waste of time, effort and money. I hope the government can resolve this soon and have a much better system about this just like before.

"The Red Ribbon"

No. Not the bakeshop chain. It is the authentication of your documents if you have plans of working abroad via the Department of Foreign Affairs.

For us Registered Nurses this is necessary, again I say, if you have plans of working abroad. I'm so idealistic before graduation and before taking the local boards that after having my diploma and my license, it will be easy. But it never was. The journey only begins there, and the rest is history. I had my papers authenticated for future use. 

For this you need to allot a day to finish everything. And of course, your pockets or wallet will be sorry for that day since you'll be shelling some serious amount. I suggest you go first to PRC then to your college. That's what we did. 

At PRC, you need your PRC Card, Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Passing and Certificate of Board Rating. Have them photocopied in black and white except for your PRC Card wherein you can have it scanned front and back in one page if you want it colored. Then there's a booth upon entering the gate where they will check your papers and give you an Action Sheet to fill for free. After accomplishing the form, you'll proceed to the documentary stamp booth and give the photocopied documents. The stamp costs 21 Pesos for each paper. Then you need to pay for PRC's Certification of the photocopied papers for 75 Pesos per page. The you'll have an option if you want to avail the courier service by DHL/WWWExpress so that you'll save time and effort or if you want to go to DFA on your own. I don't know what's the next step if you opt to go on your own since we chose to avail DHL's service. After paying the prescribed amount at the cashier, you need to go to DHL's booth. Window 1 will check your papers and give you a form wherein you need to write pertinent information. Mind you to write heavily since you are writing in quintuplicate copies. You need to accomplish two quintuplicate forms since the PRC Card & Certificate of Registration and the Certificate of Passing & Certificate of Board Rating will go to two different verifying office. You'll be charged 100 Pesos for each document and 300 Pesos for the Courier Fee (handling fee for Manila Residents is 150 Pesos and 200 Pesos for Provincial Residents, and since it will go to two different verifying office, you need to pay 300). Note: The price doubles if you hold another degree. After paying and logging the transaction, you need to go to the respective window to finish your day in PRC. Window K for the Certificate of Passing and Certificate of Board Rating. You are required to leave the original copies as well and claim it after 2-3 working days. Window 17 or 18 for the PRC Card and Certificate of Registration. Then its done. You just need to wait for 7-14 working days and the authenticated documents from DFA will be delivered right at your doorstep. Just make sure to always leave a valid ID and an authorization letter to the person you elected to receive the document in your absence and his or her valid ID as well.

At you college, you need your Transcript of Records (no remarks should be written on the TOR or the one specified for employment purposes and not the one you used upon applying for the local boards), Summary of Related Learning Experience, Diploma and Certificate of Graduation. Have all of these documents photocopied as well. Go straight to your college's Registrar Office and present all the documents mentioned above and you need to accomplish a form for CAV --- Certification, Authentication and Verification. Then you'll be asked to pay for some amount (varies depending on your school) and will be instructed accordingly. Waiting period will be between a week or depending how hardworking your Registrar is. I got mine in a week. An acknowledgement receipt from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be given since they are the assigned agency to certify, verify and authenticate your school credentials and again, you have the option to go to DFA and have it processed or avail a courier service. I opted the latter and went to the nearest DHL branch (Trinoma). You just need to present the acknowledgement receipt and pay for the necessary fee, that is the authentication fee for DFA and the courier's fee and then its done. Count 7-14 working days then someone will knock at your doorsteps.

I hope our government agencies will have a better and faster service regarding these concerns.