TRAVEL CLEARANCE. A father and his son secure a Minor’s Travel Clearance at the Protective Services Unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A travel clearance is issued to a minor traveling outside the Philippines unaccompanied by his/her biological parents to protect him/her from various forms of child abuse and exploitation such as human trafficking. It certifies that the minor is authorized to travel abroad for valid reasons. Application for travel clearance peaks just before long vacations start. For the 1^st quarter of 2014, a total of 298 Travel Clearance Certificates were issued by DSWD XI. Clearance for domestic travels of minors is issued by the local government unit where the minor resides. (DSWD)