DSWD auto travel permit system slams door on fixers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has automated the processing of travel clearances for minors traveling abroad, aiming to expedite transactions and eliminate the involvement of fixers.

Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD’s Protective Programs, which oversees Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA), said the new online system allows only parents or guardians to apply for the clearance.

“Only parents, accompanying adults, or guardians can create an account for our MTA. Fixers are excluded because we require identifying information of the parent or companion,” Colico said Thursday.

The travel clearance is a measure to prevent child trafficking, issued for minors under 18 traveling outside the Philippines without their parents or legal guardians.

Colico said the previous manual system was time-consuming, leading some parents to seek help from travel agents or fixers.

“Sometimes, travel agents would provide a Special Power of Attorney and process the MTA themselves, which is risky,” Colico said. “We are held accountable for the permit, which grants authority to someone unrelated to the child to process and accompany them.”

The automated system allows parents and guardians to apply online, eliminating the need to visit DSWD regional offices. Applicants can receive their documents within one to three working days after submitting complete and verified documents.

Colico said the digitized system addresses red tape and protects the public from fixers, while ensuring minors have their parents’ or guardians’ consent to travel.

“With MTA, we have simplified and streamlined the application process, making it client-centric and ensuring the protection of children from abuse, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation,” Colico said.

The automation, spearheaded by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, complies with the Ease of Doing Business Act, which promotes digitalization in government transactions. It also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s socioeconomic agenda on digitalizing government processes.