The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now accepting GCash as an alternative payment mode for applications under the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) system and the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), an agency official said on Friday ( August 1).
“Dinagdag natin ang GCash para mas mapadali at mapalapit sa publiko ang pagbabayad ng fees para sa pagkuha ng travel clearance at certificate of exemption para sa mga bata na magbibiyahe abroad, at para rin sa application ng certificate of registration, license to operate, and accreditation (CRLA) ng mga social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) na katuwang natin sa pangangalaga sa kapanan ng bulnerableng sektor,” Director Megan Therese Manahan of the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) said.
The SB director said the MTA system and HELPS are part of the DSWD’s digitalization push in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to automate up to 90 percent of government transactions to improve public service delivery.
According to the SB director, applicants may simply choose “GCash” as their payment option on the final page of the online application form to use the GCash service.
Director Manahan noted that other online payment options such as Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Maya will remain available.
Through the MTA, the DSWD issues travel clearances to Filipino minors traveling abroad to ensure their protection against trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
Director Manahan said HELPS streamlines the processing of the CRLA for SWDAs, public solicitation permits, as well as the issuance of certifications for duty-exempt importation (DEI) of donated goods.
The MTA system and HELPS are also integrated into the eGov platform, making online applications more convenient.
“Ang sabi nga namin sa DSWD, ‘don’t fall in line, go online’. These digital platforms allow parents and guardians, and SWDAs to conveniently submit applications and receive approved travel clearances and CLRAs entirely online, provided that all documentary requirements are complete and accurate,” Director Manahan said.
By offering more flexible payment options, the DSWD continues to improve access to its services and make transactions more convenient for the public. (YADP)