The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday reminded the public that a mother’s consent is required in the issuance of Travel Clearance Certificates (TCCs) for minors traveling abroad.

The clarification was issued through the agency’s Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) online system, which ensures the safety of Filipino children and protects them from trafficking and exploitation.

Katherine Dela Cruz, Social Welfare Officer (SWO) IV of the MTA Centralized Processing Office, said the DSWD follows a strict screening protocol before issuing TCCs to children leaving the country unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The policy also applies to minors going abroad for academic grants, international competitions, or training programs.

A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD for individuals under 18 years old who will travel outside the Philippines unaccompanied by their parents or by someone who has legal custody.

“Nire-require natin ‘yung presence ng mother, even if nag-consent yung nanay at pumirma. We need them to attend the interview to confirm because marami rin po kaming nalaman ngayon na pumirma, pero during the interview, hindi nila maipakita 'yung nanay,” Dela Cruz said.

The MTA process follows the Family Code, which designates the mother as having sole parental authority over the child. If the mother is missing, the father or guardian must secure a social case study report from their Local Social Welfare and Development Office, along with a police blotter report.

“Basta sa lahat ng cases na missing ‘yung parent, iyon po yung requirement natin, blotter report and social case study report,” Dela Cruz added.

Under the online system, all documentary requirements must be submitted digitally. DSWD social workers then conduct virtual interviews with the parents, the minor applicant, and any accompanying adult (if applicable) to verify the information.

Once requirements are deemed complete and the P800 processing fee is paid, the online permit will be issued to the family.

For families who cannot access the system or have no internet connection, Dela Cruz said the DSWD Regional Field Offices are ready to assist.

“Magpunta lang din po sila sa Field Office, mayroon pong mga designated MTA focal doon na pwedeng mag-assist po sa kanila kung sila po ay nahihirapan sa system or hindi nila alam yung mga requirements,” she said.

The TCC can be processed through the MTA Online System (https://mta.dswd.gov.ph/) or via the eGov PH mobile application.