Rough guide to DFA Red Ribbon for Transcript of Records and Diploma

Initially, if you don't have your original Transcript of Record, obtain it first at your college. I believe old transcript of record used for other purposes like board exams will not be considered when applying for red ribbon. To know whether yours is for board exam or other purposes, look for the remark that states "for board exam purposes only" or others. Instead, there should be a remark that states "for DFA red ribbon" or equivalent or, as in my case, no remark at all. I had two (2) clear photocopies of my Diploma and Transcript of Record. I'm not really sure whether a colored copy of your Diploma and Transcript is allowed. I paid a small amount (not all colleges are alike on this matter I think) and then submitted it to the registrar's office and had it authenticated/certified. I believe it takes a couple of minutes/hours depending on how busy it is. I went there around 4pm in my college so naturally I was told to come back the day after.

I received my photocopies together with a letter and was advised to submit it to the nearest Commission of Higher Education (CHED) office, in my case La Union.

I'm from Pangasinan and it takes an hour or so to get to CHED La Union. I told the bus conductor beforehand that I'm going to CHED. I was dropped off in an intersection with tricycles parked along the highway waiting for passengers. It costs me P20 to get to CHED office.

I went in the office and ask the 1st person I saw behind the counter for what to do. He gave me a form and after filling it out, paid P40 for Certification/Authentication/Verification (CAV) fee. After signing in their logbook, I was given the claim stub and was told to pick up my red ribboned documents on a certain date at DFA Manila (+/- 2 weeks).

I claimed my documents at the DFA weeks after the date written in my claim stub but be aware of the expiration, I think it's about two (2) months and it's written in the claim stub itself.

I think to minimize people asking questions to the people behind the window/desk/counter, security guards were briefed/informed to the different queries and processes that are happening inside the DFA. Or maybe it just happened that security guards adapted to the situation they go through everyday in the DFA. Whatever it may be, the security guards in the DFA are well informed. They know who goes where and what to do. I went there without knowing where to go and a security guard told me to go  through a door but I guess he forgot to tell me where to place the stub that I showed him upon entering the door. Obviously there were alot of people waiting inside so I can just ask but didn't :) Upon entering, I noticed a window with a paper taped on it. I went near and realized it is where all the claim stubs go. I dropped mine in the "regular".  There is also for "with disabilities, pregnant" as well as "express/expedite".

My name was called and told to go to a window (You will be given instructions so listen well to avoid asking questions again later. Also, remember to read and check any corrections in your name). I paid P100 and returned the documents together with the receipt and asked to wait until my name was called again. I'm not really sure but I think I went to the cashier twice. Anyway, long waits can be frustrating but all I can say is be patient and be polite in asking queries from other people.

Again, I hope this helps a little. Visit the PRC website for more information.

DFA Red Ribbon for PRC ID, PRC Board Rating and PRC Certificate

I would like to share my experience in applying for verification/authentication/certification of my PRC ID, PRC Certificate and PRC Rating. First of all, you must have the original copies at hand. If you don't, I'm sure you can get a Certified Copy of your PRC Certificate and Rating at the PRC, which I have no idea how.

• Step 1: Have your originals photocopied, the more the merrier but only one (1) copy of each is required :) I saw some had them photocopied/printed colored but when I asked the guy from behind the window inside the PRC building, he said it doesn't matter whether it is scanned and printed colored or plain photocopied as long as it is clear and you have both sides in one (1) page with the back part of your PRC ID bearing your signature, it's okay.

• Step 2: You have to fill out two pieces of forms from the 1st window to the left of the PRC compound entrance. I think it's also the window for the information desk/personnel. One (1) form for both PRC ID and PRC Certificate and another for PRC Rating. You can also download the form here -- http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/rd%20DFA%20authentication.pdf. I have two (2) claim stubs but the other stub doesn't look like any of the forms available for download in the PRC website.

My claim stub, which is the same as the downloadable Action Form (application form)

The other claim stub for my PRC Board Rating. You can get the form at the 1st window to your left upon entering PRC compound.

• Step 3: Documentary stamps cost P21. You need one (1) for each document.

• Step 4: Go to the cashier. Pay P75 for each document.

• Step 5: You have to sign a logbook of sort at the window near the booth/window where you bought the Documentary Stamp.

• Step 6: Go inside the PRC building to submit the forms, together with the photocopies and receipts, as well as the ORIGINAL PRC Board Rating. You will then get the claim stub here and be advised as to when and where (what window) to claim your authenticated copies.

PRC personnel/employees are accommodating and friendly so don't be shy to approach them and ask. Just be polite and respectful. For the convenience of the disabled and the pregnant, express windows are also available.

I am scheduled to claim my authenticated copies for August 1 and August 6 so at the moment I have no idea what to do next in obtaining my redribbon of PRC related documents at the DFA.

Hope this helps a little. Please check the PRC website for more information.

*UPDATE (October 13, 2014)

I was supposed to pick up my authenticated photocopies of my PRC ID, Certificate and Board Rating at a specific date but in my case traveling to Manila from Pangasinan is tiring and bus fare isn’t cheap so I had to time it where I also have to do other things other than just picking up my documents from PRC and applying for red ribbon at DFA. There is a duration/expiration for unclaimed authenticated docs at the PRC where they void it when it is unclaimed after a certain period. I guess it took me about a month to apply it for red ribbon at DFA.

Each document to be red ribboned is P100 so P300 for the PRC ID, PRC Certificate and Board Rating. Initially, I filled up a blue form after entering the DFA (Pasay/ASEANA) and then queue up at a line for red ribbon application. Then I was directed to the cashier and went back to the window where I submitted my blue form and gave the personnel the copy of my receipt. I was to wait again but it just took about +15mins. The initial queue was about half an hour so expect to be there at least +/-40mins for filling up the form, paying to the cashier and queuing up. 3 working days for normal transaction and 1 day for expedite. There is also courier/logistics people available inside the DFA. I availed of their services and paid P150 for delivery of my documents.

Hope this rough guide helps.