CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas has announced that applications for minors traveling abroad are now exclusively processed online.
Starting February 2025, the Centralized Processing Office – Minors Traveling Abroad (CPO-MTA) will process applications exclusively through its online platform at mta.dswd.gov.ph.
DSWD7 Children Sector focal person Ligaya Dael said the shift to online processing aims to streamline the issuance of travel clearances for minors.
“We can provide assistance on the online application process if they go to our office since it is still in a transition period but it is still online,” Dael said during the recent Kapihan sa PIA forum.
She explained that a Minor Travel Abroad (MTA) clearance is required when a child travels outside the country without their biological or adoptive parents, or legal guardians.
“Ang tuyo ug tumong aning pagkuha sa travel clearance is para jud sa ilang proteksyon kay kabalo man ta nga kung dili ginikanan ang kuyog pwede makompromiso,” she explained.
(The purpose of getting a travel clearance is really for their protection, because we know that if they are not traveling with their parents, the child could be placed at risk.)
The MTA clearance is a vital protective measure to ensure the safety and proper documentation of minors traveling abroad
For adoptive parents, a certificate of finality is required, while legal guardians—including unmarried biological fathers with granted court custody—must present a court order.
To avoid errors and added expenses, Dael encouraged parents to personally fill out the online forms, as denied applications could result in additional costs.
The application fee is P800, valid for a single trip only.
Dael emphasized that requirements may vary, especially for minors traveling in groups such as school tournament representatives.
For those unfamiliar with online platforms, the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) satellite offices across Central Visayas are available to assist applicants.
Dael also urged parents or guardians with confirmed flight bookings to apply as early as possible.
“The earlier the better. Kung mahimo once naa nay ticket maka-apply namo, ugaling during the assessment adunay documents or information nga for clarifications, additional documents for submission, aduna pa mo’y ample time nga maka-comply,” Dael said.
(Ideally, once you have a ticket, you should apply immediately. If during the assessment there are documents that need clarification or submission, you will still have ample time to comply.)
She added that the MTA clearance reflects a specific travel date based on the ticket, which also serves as a trigger for Bureau of Immigration monitoring.
Dael also reminded the public that the MTA clearance is solely issued by the Centralized Processing Office and is not affiliated with any external agencies or offices.
As the DSWD fully transitioned to digital processing, parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the online system, seek assistance if needed, and apply early to ensure a smooth travel process for their children. (MYP/PIA 7 Cebu)
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