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Natural Disasters 2010

Batu-bato sa Langit,
Tamaa'y 'wag Magagalit

It is a compilation of Filipino Poetry depicting real-life and sensational situations affecting Filipino lives. These were written for the sole purpose of waking up the ideals and shaking the nerves of Filipinos inside and outside the Philippines. Batu-bato sa Langit is a prominent Filipino proverb, which means that whoever is affected by the contents of these poetries may react against it. But the writers placed these facts with symbolism and passion to deliver the realities of today.

Lugaw Para sa Bata
Feeding Project

"Lugaw Para sa Bata" is a small project from Team Kabsat in Pangasinan who aimed to give Lugaw as breakfast to few children in the province of Pangasinan in the Philippines. United with the heart of service and Filipino thoughtfulness, Team Kabsat decided to serve Lugaw to children ages 4 to 12 on selected areas to atleast minimize hungerproblem especially to small children. As of the moment, Team Kabsat shall feed only 100 children every month as that number is, as of the moment, the possible count that they can serve. However, Team Kabsat is looking forward that the Lugaw Project shall not only serve 100 children every month but more children are expected to be reached with this small project. read more

MARRYING A FOREIGNER

Travel Clearance and Related FAQs
March 2009

What is the purpose of Travel Clearance?
The Philippine government wants that "every effort shall be exerted to promote the welfare of children and enhance their opportunities for a useful and happy life." To avoid child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, a travel clearance is needed by a person travelling with the minor or the unaccompanied travelling minor of 13 to 17 years of age, or parent or legal guardian of the travelling minor, issued by the DSWD. From the context of Republic Act 7610 (An Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, and for Other Purposes), any person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition are referred as "children".

What is a Travel Clearance?
A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a Filipino child (below 18 years of age) traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents.

Who needs a Travel Clearance?
1. A minor traveling alone to a foreign country.
2. A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his or her parents.

Who does not need Travel Clearance?
1. All minors other than those cited above,
2. A minor traveling to a foreign country with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian;
3. A minor traveling abroad whose parents are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he/she is holding a valid pass such as a dependents visa/pass/identification card or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card which serves as proof that he/she is living with parents abroad and their travel does not constitute child trafficking.

Does a married minor required to secure a Travel Clearance?
Yes, regardless of civil status or whether the minor is traveling alone or with other person/s, he/she needs to secure a travel clearance.

Is a married minor required to secure a Travel Clearance?
A minor, regardless of civil status, who is traveling abroad alone or with person/s other than his/her parent is required to secure a travel clearance.

What are the requirements in securing a Travel Clearance?
1. Duly accomplished application form;
2. Photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor;
3. A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the child to travel alone or with someone else to a foreign country;
4. Photocopy of passport of traveling companion, for accompanied minors.
5. As appropriate,
a. a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minors parents or;
b. a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or;
c. a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the municipal social welfare and development office or Tallaq or Fasakh Certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader; 1) in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage from the local civil registrar; 2) in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate;
6. Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.

Is there a validity period for a Travel Clearance?
A DSWD travel clearance is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance and shall be valid for multiple travels within the validity period, provided the conditions under which the travel clearance was issued have not changed. If a change in condition occurs like a change in traveling companion, a new travel clearance must be obtained.

How much is the processing fee for a Travel Clearance issued to a minor?
The DSWD shall collect a processing fee for each travel clearance issued to minors traveling abroad under the following options:

Php 300.00 with validity of one (1) year.

Php 600.00 with validity of two (2) year

Where can one file the application?
The application for travel clearance, together with the supporting documents required shall be submitted/filed at any DSWD Field Office. Application forms maybe obtained from any DSWD-Field Office or maybe downloaded from the website www.dswd.gov.ph.

On the appointed date, go to the nearest DSWD Field (regional) office which processed your application to submit the original copy of your supporting documents and pay PhP300.00 per travel clearance certificate. The travel clearance certificate will be obtained thereafter.

What is a solo parent?
Republic Act No. 8972 (Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000), Section 3a defines "Solo Parent" as:
(1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and other crimes against chastity even without a final conviction of the offender: Provided, That the mother keeps and raises the child;
(2) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of spouse;
(3) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood while the spouse is detained or is serving sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) year;
(4) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of spouse as certified by a public medical practitioner;
(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation or de facto separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(6) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to declaration of nullity or annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a church as long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the children;
(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at least one (1) year;
(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare institution;
(9) Any other person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children;
(10) Any family member who assumes the responsibility of head of family as a result of the death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged absence of the parents or solo parent.

A change in the status or circumstance of the parent claiming benefits under this Act, such that he/she is no longer left alone with the responsibility of parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility for these benefits.