Davao City  -Some 1085 minors applied for Travel Clearance at the regional office here of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from January through September this year.

DSWD issues Travel Clearance to minors traveling outside the country who are unaccompanied by their biological parents.

According to DSWD Director Priscilla N. Razon most of these minors travel abroad to visit parents or relatives, go on vacation, attend educational tours, renew visa/entry or residency, study abroad or  migrate. Other reasons for travel include joining world competitions, participating in educational exchange programs and attending concert crusade, Director Razon said.

Director Razon emphasized that the travel clearance certifies that the minor is authorized to travel abroad for valid reasons. ”It is important to protect them from various forms of child abuse such as human trafficking. We always ensure that children’s rights are protected while on travel and while visiting other countries.”

DSWD records show that country-destinations include Japan, United States of America, Hongkong, China, Macau, Canada, KSA/SaudiArabia, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, UAE, Thailand, Bangkok, London, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Taiwan, Qatar, Cambodia, Cayman, Paris/France, South Korea, Switzerland, Brunie, Indonesia, Norway, Iraq, Brazil, Denmark, The Netherlands, Laos, Italy, Myanmar, Austria, Germany, Israel and Spain.

Application for Minor’s Travel Clearance is processed at DSWD Regional Offices throughout the country. Here in Davao, the DSWD Office is located at cor. R. Magsaysay Ave. and D. Suazo St. Further inquiries may be channeled through telephone numbers  -2278746, 2271964. DSWD