00:00A new digital platform, DSWD, Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System, or HELPS,
00:08has added more than 100 minor travel clearance applications.
00:13It is being processed every day since it was launched by the government.
00:17Noel Talacay, for Sentro ng Balita, live.
00:24Patrick, overwhelming.
00:25And more and more are applying for clearance for minor traveling abroad
00:32using the online platform of the Department of Social Welfare Development, or DSWD.
00:39After DSWD implemented the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System, or HELPS,
00:46a digital platform of agency services,
00:50more and more are getting minor traveling abroad clearance using it.
00:55This is what Assistant Secretary Ada Colico of the DSWD Protective Program said
01:01in their weekly news forum earlier.
01:04According to the agency, more than 1,700 applications have been received.
01:11The average that they receive every day for the clearance is 127.
01:17Since it was implemented, the agency has already issued 750 MTA clearance.
01:24But Colico admitted that there are still people who receive the clearance
01:28from their original offices of the DSWD.
01:33We saw in the case of Mataas,
01:35so it's more of the awareness of the people that we see here,
01:38and the convenience that anytime you're ready, you can apply.
01:42So more and more are now applying for MTA.
01:49Patrick, this program, HELPS, of the DSWD,
01:53is a program that is part of the digitalization program of President Ferdinand Marquez, Jr.
02:00and this will also provide protection against human trafficking of children.
02:09Patrick?
02:10Thank you very much, Noel Talacay.
