MANILA, Nov. 19 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is reminding clients in need of travel clearance for minors traveling abroad (MTA) to apply ahead of their scheduled foreign trips to avoid inconvenience during the Christmas holidays, when there is an upsurge in MTA applications.

"We are reminding parents and guardians to apply for the document ahead of the intended travel dates of their children. This is to prevent any inconvenience on the day of their departure for their travel abroad," Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement Wednesday.

According to the DSWD spokesperson, the ideal time to secure the travel clearance certificates (TCC) is 30 days before the intended travel date to avoid processi...