NORTHERN MINDANAO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development here (DSWD-X) is calling on applicants submitting through digital application for Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) to follow crucial instructions to avoid delays or complications. 

The DSWD, starting last month, has gone digital in the processing of travel permits for minors going abroad, to do away with the manual method, streamlining the application process and enhancing efficiency.

Grace Dael, who heads the MTA, DSWD Field Office-10 (DSWD FO-X), told the DAILY TRIBUNE, Friday that while the process for issuing the Travel Clearance Certificate and Certificate of Exemption for MTA has been digitized, it is imperative to ensure that all required documents are submitted in the correct format, and that personal details are accurately entered, and for applicants to carefully follow the online submission instructions.

These include for payments to be successfully processed, and Philipine Statistics Authority-issued certificates (e.g., QR-coded Birth Certificates, QR-coded Marriage Certificates, QR-coded Death Certificates, or QR-coded Certificates of No Marriage) be submitted as required, Dael said. 

“Any discrepancies or incomplete submissions may result in delays or disapproval of the application,” she stressed.

Dael said to ensure the authenticity of applicants, the DSWD has implemented robust security measures within the digital platform. The system allows for the secure submission and verification of documents. It works in coordination with key agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration, which ensures a comprehensive verification process. Additionally, each issued travel clearance or certificate contains a unique code for authentication purposes.