By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reminded the public to secure travel clearance for children 17 years old and below who are traveling abroad alone or without their parents in time for the summer vacation. DSWD officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco (MANILA BULLETIN) DSWD OIC Secretary Emmanuel Leyco explained that the issuance of travel clearances for children is specified under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. It is a requirement in order to protect Filipino children from child trafficking and exploitation, especially those who are participating in short study grants and out-of-the-country competitions. “We continue to remind parents and guardians to properly secure travel clearance for Filipino minors because it will help safeguard children from various form of abuse while traveling outside the country,” he said. Illegitimate children traveling abroad accompanied by their biological father are also required to secure a travel clearance certificate since parental authority is vested only to the mother of the child, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines. 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. Moreover, the clearance shall be valid for a period of one or two years and for multiple travels except for minors traveling with foster parents. Should there be changes in the issued travel clearance such as companion or country of destination, changes can be done as long as the travel clearance is within the valid time period. DSWD can issue the clearance within the day of the application provided all necessary documents are complied with and the social worker’s assessment is completed. “Though the clearance can be secured within the filing day, we advise parents or applicants to apply one to two weeks before their scheduled travel date to give ample time to address issues that may arise or produce documents that may be required,” Leyco said. There is a processing fee of P300 and P600 for certificates valid for one year and two years, respectively.