Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that the processing of Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) permits will remain operational to assist travelers during the Holy Week break from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday. The DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is temporarily suspending its regular operations during this period and will resume on April 6.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD has implemented a skeletal work environment in the Central Office due to the high demand of traffic caused by travelers heading to their provinces. This includes the Centralized Processing Office of MTA and other operational services. The AICS program under the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) will continue operations only until Wednesday and will resume regular work after the Holy Week, on Monday. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that the Commonwealth Satellite Office is fast-tracking all scheduled payouts and walk-in transactions for AICS clients to ensure completion by April 1.
Recognizing the surge of passengers during the Holy Week, the Department has maintained MTA helpdesks in high-volume areas. Helpdesks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 3 are open 24/7, while specialized desks in Cebu City, Davao City, and Clark, Pampanga, continue to facilitate the needs of traveling minors and their guardians.
To ensure the continuity of essential functions in case of disasters, the DSWD Central Office and its various Field Offices (FOs) have deployed skeletal teams. These teams oversee disaster preparedness and response, the delivery of vital services, and other critical support mechanisms to address any contingencies that may arise during the long weekend.
Furthermore, the DSWD has confirmed that the Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) payout for public transport drivers will resume after the Holy Week. Assistant Secretary Dumlao stated that the DSWD remains fully attentive to the needs of beneficiaries, with communication channels open to address urgent inquiries throughout the holiday. The department acknowledges that disasters and necessity do not take a leave of absence, and their team is prepared to provide necessary guidance and assistance to the public.
For inquiries regarding the MTA program, the public may reach the Department through its Viber hotline at 0945 160 4534, or via landline at 8951-7440 and 8951-7438. Text inquiries are also accepted through the DSWD WiServ at 0918 912 2813, while mobile hotlines are available at 0917 110 5686 and 0917 827 2543. For concerns related to the AICS program, beneficiaries may contact the Globe hotlines at 0917 110 5686 or 0917 827 2543, the Smart/Sun line at 0919 911 6200, or via email at [email protected].
The DSWD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to serving Filipinos in times of disaster, regardless of the season or holiday. The continuous service aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate and compassionate social protection, a mission actively spearheaded by the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in times of utmost need.
