How to Get DOST Final Clearance

Are you HIT at NBI because you were one of the recipients of DOST Scholarship? Well, check this and be guided to get a Final Clearance from DOST.

If you're lucky not to get hit at the NBI, here's the normal process. You just go to the Releasing Window and present the printout receipt with the reference number after your NBI online application is successful. Wait for your priority number to flash on their LED screen. Photo capture and biometrics will follow. Then your NBI clearance will be printed and given to you from the Releasing Window. It will not take more than 1 hour of your time.

Unfortunately, I'm not one of those lucky people. I always get HIT at NBI Clearances. Here are the reasons why you get HIT:

Mine is #4. I was a DOST Scholar and the Department of Science and Technology has banned us from going abroad. It was announced last 2012 that DOST Scholars are already lifted from the watchlist.

But just recently, I'm still hit. The solution to having my NBI Clearance is getting a Final Clearance from DOST. Huh! Another day of life. Well, let's go it through.

Once you've completed the required years of service in the country (equivalent to the number of years you enjoyed the scholarship), time to file for Final Clearance from DOST so your name will be removed from NBI, DFA and Bureau of Immigration watchlist. Here are the requirements:

1. Photocopy of Transcript of Records
2. Photocopy of Diploma
3. Certificates of Employment (stating number of years employed)
4. DOST Tracer
5. Letter of Intent address to DOST-SEI Regional Director.

Below is a sample request letter addressed to Region 7 Director during that writing. For a female, even if you're already married, still, put the maiden name.

DOST Region VII Office

Address : Lahug S&T Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City 6000

Tel. No. : +63 (032) 418-9032 / 254-8269

Fax No. : +63 (032) 416-7577

Email Address: elparadela@dost.gov.ph

Provincial S&T Centers:

• Bohol - (038) 412-3620 - mtanggaan@yahoo.com
• Cebu - (032) 255-9931 - samparcon@yahoo.com
• Negros Oriental - (035) 225-4551 / 421-2100 - grarbon@yahoo.com
• Siquijor - (035) 480-9018 / 344-2008 - mardelapena1961@yahoo.com

***They keep on updating their website, contact info and staff so if ever the details I posted won't work, just ask Google.

Submit the requirements to the DOST Region Office in your area. Bring all the original copies of your requirements for verification. Photocopy them beforehand for a faster transaction.

***Always and always dress appropriately so the guards will let you in.

They said it would take 3 to 5 working days to get the Final Clearance from DOST, but thanks heaven I got mine in just 1 day. I went to the DOST Provincial Office located at Gov. Manuel Cuenco Avenue, Banilad, Cebu City and submitted my requirements. They reviewed etcetera then gave me an endorsement letter to be given to the DOST Regional Office located at Lahug S&T Center, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City. Another verification and file scavenging happened. After less than one hour, they handed me 2 signed documents:

• Certification or Final Clearance from DOST quoting that my name is lifted from the watchlist of NBI, DFA and BI.
• Endorsement Letter addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration stating that I had already completed the years of service obligation in the country.

Keep these documents safe and have them clearly photocopied for reference and stamping.

Now, go back to NBI and hand these proofs.