Davao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initiated 24/7 help desks for minors traveling abroad (MTA) at the country's key international airports. These help desks aim to assist minors with urgent travel clearance concerns, ensuring smoother travel processes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operations of the MTA help desks began on July 29 at Davao International Airport, with subsequent openings at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on July 31, and Clark International Airport on August 5. Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD's Protective Programs emphasized that the primary function of the MTA help desks is to offer in-person support for minors who face issues with travel clearance documentation, which could prevent them from boarding their flights.
A travel clearance is essential for individuals under 18 traveling outside the Philippines without their parents or legal guardians. Colico highlighted the importance of obtaining this clearance as a crucial measure in the government's efforts to combat child trafficking. The process is vital for the safety of Filipino children visiting relatives, studying, or participating in competitions abroad.
The requirement for travel clearances for children is outlined under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, as well as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. The DSWD is prioritizing the MTA system as part of its digitalization efforts, which aim to shorten processing times and eliminate the need for manual applications at DSWD offices.
Applicants can apply for MTA clearance through the MTA Online System at https://mta.dswd.gov.ph/ or via the eGov PH mobile application.