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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider How to avoid travel clearance 'fixers' and properly apply under DSWD's online system

How to avoid travel clearance 'fixers' and properly apply under DSWD's online system

Published Apr 21, 2026 03:55 pm
Unsplash photo
Unsplash photo
Social media pages and groups offering “fast-track” processing of travel clearances for minors continue to circulate online, despite repeated warnings from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) against “fixers.”
In a statement on Tuesday, April 21, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao denounced these Facebook pages and groups posing as government-related platforms and offering to expedite travel clearance processing.
Among those flagged were Blackbox Travel and Tourism, Flightdeck Junielen Taniola, and Blackboxph Travel Corporation.
“Ang anumang impormasyon o mensaheng galing sa grupong ito ay hindi beripikado at maaaring hindi tugma sa alituntunin ng MTA [Minors Traveling Abroad] program (Any information or message from these groups is not verified and may not be consistent with MTA program guidelines),” Dumlao said.
Some related online groups have reportedly grown to as many as 2,200 members, raising concern over the spread of unverified and potentially misleading information. The pages reportedly also offer assistance for flights, visas, and tours.
Dumlao reminded the public that engaging with fixers is not allowed and may result in complications or invalid applications.
“Hindi po pinahihintulutan ang paggamit ng fixer sa anumang transaksyon sa DSWD. Hinihikayat po natin ang lahat na dumaan lamang po sa opisyal at tamang proseso upang masiguro ang maayos, ligtas, at lehitimong pagkuha ng travel clearance para po sa ating mga kasamang menor de edad (The use of fixers is not allowed in any transaction with the DSWD. We encourage everyone to go through the official and proper process to ensure a smooth, safe, and legitimate securing of travel clearance for minors),” she said.
DSWD said the MTA program has already streamlined its services through an online application system since February last year.
A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to minors or individuals below 18 years old travelling outside the Philippines who are unaccompanied by any parent or person with parental authority or legal custody.
How to apply
According to the DSWD, applicants must access the official MTA portal 
mta.dswd.gov.ph  and create an account or log in.
Once logged in, they must accomplish the online application form, which requires details of the minor, purpose of travel, and accompanying adult or guardian.
Supporting documents are then uploaded through the system, including valid identification documents, parental or legal consent, and other requirements depending on the case.
Applications are evaluated by DSWD social workers, who may request additional documents or clarifications if needed.
Once verified, applicants are informed through the system of payment instructions, if applicable.
After completion of all requirements, the travel clearance or certificate of exemption is issued electronically.
The system also provides real-time status tracking, allowing applicants to monitor the progress of their application from submission to release.
As of April 20, DSWD data showed that 12,721 applications have been approved and issued in 2026, including 12,685 travel clearances and 36 certificates of exemption processed through the online system.
DSWD advised applicants to file their applications at least 30 days before their scheduled departure to avoid delays.

Related Tags

DSWD MINORS TRAVEL CLEARANCE
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