Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian inks a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes data-sharing with the Department’s various partner-agencies for its newly-launched Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) system on Tuesday (February 18).

The other signatories were the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Authority for Child Care (NACC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC).

The MTA system, which now allows online processing and issuance of clearance for minors traveling abroad without their parents or guardians, is among the digital initiatives launched during the agency’s 74th anniversary celebration at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Under the agreement, the signatories will work together to ensure that all information and documentary requirements lodged in the MTA system are meticulously scrutinized and monitored — safeguarding children traveling in foreign countries from potential harm, abuse or neglect.

Joining Secretary Gatchalian in the ceremonial signing was Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency’s Data Protection Officer.

Representatives from partner -agencies were Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Acting Deputy Undersecretary Christina Gracia Rola-Mckernan representing Secretary Enrique Manalo of the DFA; Deputy National Statistician Rosalinda Bautista representing Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa of PSA; Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada of the NACC; Commissioner Joel Viado of the BI; and Assistant Focal Person on Trafficking-in-Persons Desk Raquel Sumerwe representing Executive Director Anthony Alcantara the PCTC.