This is Part 2 of a two-part series on clearing DOST scholarship requirements. Start with Part 1: How I Got My DOST Final Clearance Without Going to Manila.
What Happens When You Get a Hit on Your NBI Clearance as a DOST Scholar
With the DOST clearance finally sorted, the next thing I needed was an NBI clearance for travel abroad. This was not my first time applying — I had gotten one in 2004, which came back clean, probably because it was only for local employment. Then in 2009, I applied again and got a hit. The reason was my DOST–SEI contractual obligation, which was still unresolved at the time. Now, years later, it was time to go through the whole process again.
A co-scholar and I went to the NBI Dumaguete office — the one near the Capitol — and it was packed. I had hoped the Palarong Pambansa would thin out the crowd, but no such luck. We arrived around ten in the morning, got a number, and waited to be called so we could pay and get the application form. The fee was ₱115. Bring your own pen — they don’t have extras to lend out. After filling out the form, we were told to come back at noon. At least they don’t take a lunch break, which made the whole thing feel slightly less painful.
We came back at one in the afternoon and let the window staff know we had been told to return at twelve. They asked us to wait again for our names to be called. When mine was, I sat in front of a monitor with a webcam and a biometric scanner while the staff encoded my information. I watched the screen carefully to make sure the spelling was correct, then she took a photo and scanned my fingerprints. One small thing I noticed: the fingerprint process had improved a lot since the last time. No more ink. No washing your hands after. Small thing, but appreciated.
As expected, a hit came up immediately. They needed to verify the reason with their Manila office, so I was told to come back after ten to fifteen working days. I already knew what the hit was about and had the documents to clear it, but there was nothing to do at that point but wait. We left the NBI office at around a quarter to two.
So I guess another trip to NBI was coming in a month’s time.
Note: This post is from 2013. NBI procedures, fees, and office locations may have changed since then — including the option to apply or book appointments online. Check the NBI website before heading out.
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