By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz Applicants for travel clearance for minors traveling solo out of the country will no longer have to wait in line for hours with the establishment of online application and processing under the government’s eServices program. “Through the eServices, we will be able to cut down processing time and resources since the clients need not go to the Department just to file their applications for the said services,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Virginia Orogo said. Travel clearance is a document issued by DSWD for persons below 18 years old traveling abroad unaccompanied by any of the parents or persons having parental authority or legal custody over the minor. It is a social protection service of the Department which provides security to minors going abroad without their parents or legal guardian. It also safeguards them from abuse, exploitation, discrimination and other related acts that may constitute child trafficking. According to DSWD’s Community-Based Services Program Bureau OIC Director Rosalie Dagulo, an average of 41,780 travel clearance certificates are issued every year. As of June 30, 2018, 22,459 travel clearance certificates have already been issued, mostly in the National Capital Region, she said. With a travel clearance, DSWD ensures that the child or children will travel with their guardian or an authorized traveling companion as consent was given by their parents. A processing fee of P300 with validity of one year or P600 with validity of two years will be collected for each travel clearance issued to a minor traveling abroad. DSWD on Monday also launched the online application for the issuance of certificate of Registration and Licensing of Social Welfare and Development Agencies and Accreditation of Service Providers. The registration and licensing of SWDAs and accreditation of SPs are also core regulatory functions of the Department. Through these functions, DSWD ensures that organizations engaged in social welfare and development activities operate in compliance or accordance with set standards. Primarily, it ensures that the beneficiaries and the public in general are protected against any malpractice and exploitation. “The Department is always looking for ways to improve its system to provide what we call ease of doing business for our clientele groups,” Orogo said. The online applications for travel clearance certificate and license/registration/accreditation can be accessed through the official DSWD website or through www.dswd.gov.ph/eservices. “Through the online services, we are able to help the Department advance its objective of providing social welfare and protection to the public the fastest way possible,” Orogo said. “The eServices is just one of the strategies implemented by DSWD to improve its quality service delivery. Rest assured that we will continuously find means to be better public servants in providing a work with utmost care and compassion as our primary consideration,” she added.