The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that it now accepts GCash payments for applications related to minors’ travel clearances and various social welfare permits, enhancing convenience and accessibility for the public.
“Dinagdag natin ang GCash para mas mapadali at mapalapit sa publiko ang pagbabayad ng fees para sa pagkuha ng travel clearance at certificate of exemption para sa mga bata na magbibiyahe abroad, at para rin sa application ng certificate of registration, license to operate, and accreditation (CRLA) ng mga social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) na katuwang natin sa pangangalaga sa kapanan ng bulnerableng sektor (We have added GCash to simplify and make more accessible the payment of fees for securing travel clearances and certificates of exemption for minors traveling abroad, as well as applications for certificates of registration, licenses to operate, and accreditation (CRLA) for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) that help us protect vulnerable sectors),” Director Megan Therese Manahan of DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) said on Friday, August 1.
She explained that the digitalization of the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) and Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS) aligns with President Marcos’ directive to automate up to 90 percent of government transactions to enhance public service delivery.
Applicants using the online platforms can now choose “GCash” as their preferred payment method on the final page of their online application, the agency said.
Manahan said that other online payment methods, including Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Maya, remain available.
The MTA system ensures that minors traveling abroad receive proper clearances, safeguarding them from trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
HELPS, on the other hand, facilitates the streamlined processing of CRLA for SWDAs, issuance of public solicitation permits, and certifications for duty-exempt importation (DEI) of donated goods.
Both systems have also been integrated into the government’s eGov platform to further boost convenience.
“Ang sabi nga namin sa (What we say in) DSWD, ‘don’t fall in line, go online.’ These digital platforms allow parents and guardians, and SWDAs to conveniently submit applications and receive approved travel clearances and CLRAs entirely online, provided that all documentary requirements are complete and accurate,” Manahan said.