Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has joined a select group of postal operators worldwide after securing the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Gold Level A Certification, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s international mail security and operational standards.

PHLPost received 599 points, comfortably exceeding the 558-point threshold required for the highest certification under the UPU’s S58 and S59 Security Standards, following a comprehensive audit that assessed its security systems, operational procedures, risk management, and international mail handling. 

The certification recognizes compliance with globally accepted standards for protecting postal facilities, employees, and cross-border mail.

“This achievement did not happen overnight. It is the result of months of planning, close collaboration, countless hours of preparation, and the collective efforts of our country project team, together with every employee who contributed to this undertaking,” Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III said. 

“We proudly accept this honor not as the culmination of our work, but as a renewed commitment to deliver integrity, security, and service to every Filipino, wherever they may be," he added. 

The certification follows a dramatic turnaround for PHLPost. Ariya Thongbai, Field Expert at the UPU Regional Office in Bangkok, recalled that during an earlier assessment, auditors found the Manila Central Mail Exchange heavily congested with undelivered parcels dating back to 2019. 

The UPU recommended clearing the backlog, strengthening security systems, and prioritizing security certification before pursuing other international standards. Ariya said, when the auditors returned for the on-site review in November 2025, the backlog had been eliminated. 

Governance Commission for GOCCs Commissioner Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka described the certification as evidence that strong governance can translate into better public service, noting that modern postal systems have become critical enablers of commerce, logistics, and financial inclusion. 

He also challenged PHLPost to pursue all seven available certifications, urging the state-run corporation to make the remaining international standards part of its future performance targets.

The UPU Gold Level A Certification recognizes PHLPost’s implementation of enhanced surveillance systems, tighter access controls, emergency preparedness measures, employee security awareness, and internationally compliant mail security procedures, further strengthening public confidence in the country’s postal network and international mail exchanges.