To protect Filipino children from child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated the necessity to secure a travel clearance for children 17 years old and below who are traveling abroad alone or without their parents, a chief social worker said at the DSWD Media Forum on Thursday (August 1).

“Yung mga nagbabalak po magbyahe at kumuha ng travel clearance, pumunta po kayo sa DSWD Field Offices natin kung saan po nakatira yung bata para doon po mag-apply ng kanilang travel clearance,” Program Management Bureau (PMB) Officer-in-Charge Division Chief for Sectoral Programs Irish Opeña told reporters at the forum held at the DSWD Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

Those who want to secure a travel clearance for minors traveling abroad must have the following requirements: Duly accomplished application form; Birth Certificate of minor issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy). If it is a delayed birth registration, include baptismal certificate of minor or immunization record or school records/Form 137.

As appropriate, PSA-issued Marriage Certificate of the parents if legitimate child (Original and Photocopy); if unmarried parents, PSA issued Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy); Certificate of No Marriage from the Local Civil Registry if fictitious marriage are also among the documents being asked.

In case of a deceased parent, PSA issued Death Certificate (Original and Photocopy) should be submitted.

Another important document needed is a notarized Affidavit of Consent signed by both parents, or the person exercising parental authority or legal custody over the minor, whichever is applicable, permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country indicating the specific destination, purpose of travel, inclusive date of travel, the accompanying person and its relation to the minor.

Identification documents such as valid IDs of parents with specimen signatures; if parents are working abroad, a copy of their valid passport and visa; if a seafarer, copy of the seafarer’s book should also be provided.

Applicants should also bring two pieces colored, and latest passport size pictures of minor (white background); valid passport of the minor’s traveling companion and a notarized Affidavit of Undertaking if traveling companion is a non-relative of minor.

A notarized Affidavit of Support and certified true copy of any evidence to show financial capability of sponsor  should also be shown.

A processing fee for each travel clearance issued to minors traveling abroad is worth Php300 valid for one year.

Division Chief Opeña also clarified that if deemed necessary, social workers may ask for additional documentary requirements during the assessment of the travel clearance to ensure that the welfare and best interest of the child is protected.

“Kung kasal ang mag-asawa, kahit physically hiwalay sila, kailangan pong mag-consent yung other spouse. So kung hindi po magcoconsent si other spouse, lalo na po kung may custody concern. So medyo po maingat tayo doon kasi kung nakasampa ang kaso sa korte at may custody concern baka po kasi ang DSWD ang balikan. So medyo, yung sinasabi po na iba-iba ang requirements, hindi po paiba-iba kasi mayroon po tayong basic requirements, may mga additional lang po just to prove yung circumstances based sa assessment ng social worker,” Chief Opena explained.

Illegitimate children traveling outside the country accompanied by their biological father are also required to secure a travel clearance certificate as parental authority is vested only to the mother of the child, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

In cases that a minor has been offloaded despite having a travel clearance, the child or adult companion may seek the assistance of DSWD social workers in airport terminals located in key cities around the country.

The agency is also set to launch a digital application of the travel clearance for minors traveling abroad within the year to facilitate an easier way of providing services to its target clientele. #