Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the agency’s Protective Programs led an exploratory meeting with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday (March 3) to firm up the collaboration aimed at protecting unaccompanied minors travelling abroad from all forms of harm.

The discussion focused on the creation of a Child-Friendly Space for unaccompanied minors in international airports; the preparatory requirements on the system interface of Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) online system; and the BI’s e-Travel system to secure real-time data sharing and seamless verification system between the two agencies.

Launched during the DSWD’s 74th anniversary in February, the MTA online system is designed to streamline application and issuance of travel permit for minors travelling abroad. The BI is among the agency’s partners in regulating the necessary safeguards for the digital platform.

The BI representatives in the exploratory meeting were Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato S. Manahan, Jr; Technical Assistant to the Commissioner Jose Dennis Javier, who is also the head of the NAIA Terminal 3; and International Ports Entry and Exits and Immigration Officer Jillian Fatima.

Joining DSWD Asst. Secretary Colico were Protective Services
Bureau (PSB) Director Edmon Monteverde and his team, as well as representatives from the Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS). (LSJ)