How to get your diploma and transcript of records authenticated in Philippines.

Preparing documents such as authentication of college diploma and transcript of records required for obtaining proper working visa in South Korea can sometimes be daunting. It is very important to first know where and how these processes are made, and what requirements are needed.

When I was preparing such documents the first thing I did was asked the Philippine embassy in Korea if they provide such services which they do not. They told me that the proper way to get an authenticated diploma and transcript of records is to go to your school then to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and finally to DFA. True enough when I verified this information from my school, Mapua Institute of Technology, they told me the same thing. Actually my school Mapua can do all this process in behalf of you in 15 days. Imagine that is an awful lot of time and for someone like me who are used to fast transactions after living in Singapore for six years, I find it unbearable. So I tried to seek more information and found out that you the time can be reduced to one third if you handle it yourself.

The first thing that I did was to bring a photocopy of my diplomas and transcript of records to the registrar office of Mapua. In order to speed up the process you have to show them a proof of urgency in the form of your visa if the expiry date is imminent, a contract and e-ticket. The fee is only Php 200 per set of documents. After signing a form and giving them your diploma and transcripts you can get the documents back with school stamps and signature by the registrar the next day. They told me to come after two days since the person in charge of the microfilm is not around according to them but I insist that I need it soon thus they finished it in one day.

After getting the documents from Mapua I then went to CHED. It was located at the second floor of HEDC Bldg. C. P. Garcia St., Diliman, Quezon City. The guy there Jimmy was surprised to see that I am handing it over myself so I told them that it is because of urgency. I can feel that he believes me but he still ask me when I am going back to abroad and ask for my e-ticket which I do not have at that time. Still he processed it for me on that day itself and I paid Php 40 per set of documents.

Now that I have the certification from CHED I went to DFA, located at the gate 1 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City, to have it authenticated. I first fill up a blue form and then queue for about hour. I gave my documents and form to them and paid Php 200 per set of documents for expedite process, meaning you can get your documents back in one day. The regular process will cost you half as much but will need four days to get back. The next day I dropped my receipt in one of the boxes in the releasing area and wait for 45 minutes before my name is called. I received my documents safe and sound and went home.