DSWD receives overwhelming response to new online portal for travel clearance for minors

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already processed 1,773 applications for travel permit for minors via the online Minors Travelling Abroad (MTA) permit system since it was launched last February 18.

Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the agency’s Protective Programs told reporters at the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on March 13 that the Department receives around 127 online applications a day and agency personnel are being complemented based on the demands of the public.

“Yung original, nasa around 26 kami, but now we are adding up to 70 sa staff complement. Kasi we never anticipated na magiging ganun karami, marami pong applications talaga,” Asst. Sec. Colico pointed out.

The issuance of the MTA permit is a service of the Department for minors travelling alone or those accompanied by individuals other than their parents and/or legal guardians.

Previously, the application was done manually in the DSWD regional offices wherein applicants have to go through 11 steps.

The digitalized application system has cut down the number of steps into just seven and required the presence of the minor during the scheduled online interview for the verification of application.

Asst. Secretary Colico said the transition to a full automation of the MTA permit application not only streamlines the process but also aims to safeguard the minors from trafficking and all forms of exploitation.

“Sa manual application, hindi po required magpakita ang bata. This time, we require the presence of the minor during the interview kasi at the comfort of the home naman at based naman din sa availability ng magulang at bata through video conferencing ngayon,” Asst. Secretary Colico explained.

Through this new feature, the DSWD ensures that the minor being applied for permit is the same with the photos being submitted, and that the parents or legal guardians are aware of the minor’s travel. This is especially true if the travel of the minor is for school activities or for competition abroad.

Asst. Secretary Colico said security measures are important to ensure that the best interest of a child is always the priority
consideration.

The DSWD official cited a case where they flagged an application because the name of the school provided was non-existent after validation.

“Meron tayong nag-apply na may binigay na pangalan ng school, but when we researched online, non-existent ang school, wala sa registry. Pati po yung ballet competition na sinabi, non-existent din po,” Asst. Secretary Colico told reporters.

As the online MTA permit system is new, the DSWD is also requesting the media to disseminate the information to the public, especially as the Department is no longer accepting manual applications.

The agency is conducting regular orientation sessions for those who want further information about the digital application portal, according to the DSWD official.

The Department is also continuously coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to further strengthen steps to prevent human trafficking and ensure that the DSWD’s online system has adequate safety measures. (GDVF)

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