THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare (DSWD) XI has recorded 1,851 minors issued with travel clearances and certificates of exemption in the Harmonized Electronic Licensing and Permits System-Minors Travelling Abroad (HELPS-MTA) program in Davao Region.
DSWD XI social welfare officer Karen Faith Ramiterre said that 112 minors availed of the online applications as of Feb 2025. She added that since 2023, the number of minors travelling has increased.
“We are encouraging those minors who are planning to travel abroad to secure travel clearance one month before the travel,” Ramiterre said at the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Mar 10.
Gemma Dela Cruz, DSWD XI OIC assistant regional director for operations, urged the youth to secure their travel clearances as it is mandated by the Anti-trafficking law to protect them from sexual abuse or exploitation.
“Pag 18 years old pababa, pag dili mama or papa ang kuyog [sa minor] they have to secure a travel clearance from DSWD,” Dela Cruz said.
The HELPS-MTA is a digital initiative launched by the DSWD Management Bureau to digitize travel clearance processes for minors.
It is also responsible for the assessment of applications and issuance of travel clearance to minors traveling overseas by another person other than their parents or alone as well as issuing a certificate of exemption to eligible minors.
The online integrated DSWD permit system provides seamless, stress-free, and fast services. Requirements include a QR-coded birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority, a QR-coded marriage certificate of the minor’s parents, and others.
