The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a new help desk at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Tuesday to assist minors traveling abroad (MTA) during the busy holiday season.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency’s spokesperson, said the facility will provide immediate support for urgent concerns regarding travel clearance applications. The desk is specifically designed to assist minors traveling alone and to answer inquiries for those traveling with companions other than their parents.

The Terminal 1 location joins existing help desks at NAIA Terminal 3 and the international airports in Clark, Cebu and Davao.

Under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, a travel clearance certificate is a mandatory document for minors under age 18 who are traveling without a parent or legal guardian.

The agency digitalized the application process in June as part of an effort to streamline services and prevent human trafficking. Current guidelines require a parent or guardian and the minor to participate in an online verification meeting to ensure the child’s safety before a certificate is issued.

Dumlao urged families to apply for the necessary documents well before their scheduled flights to prevent travel disruptions.

“We are urging parents and guardians to schedule their application for travel clearance in advance to avoid offloading incidents or travel delays,” Dumlao said.