I.E. Medica Achieves AEO Level 1 Certification: Strengthening Operational Excellence in Healthcare
(L-R) Hanna Mae Delos Santos, IE Medica Imports Assistant Manager; Johanna Romero, IE Medica Director for Strategy, Execution, and Services; Camille Albores, IE Medica Business Process Manager; Ma. Socorro Bantilan, BOC Acting Chief, Customs Duty Free Shops Division, NAIA Customshouse; Christian Tibo, Head Accreditation Unit, AEO Interim Office; Monaliza Salian, IE Medica CEO and Founder; Atty. Josette Abarca, President and CEO of Generika Drugstore and Executive Director of Ayala Corporation; Patrick Errol Espallardo, BOC Planning and Management Information Chief; Gladys Cabugawan, BOC Central Records Management Division Chief; Macy Relosa, IE Medica Strategic Communications Manager; Allan Tanlapco, IE Medica Finance Vice President
I.E. Medica has reached an important milestone in its operational journey with the achievement of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Level 1 certification, granted by the Bureau of Customs.
To date, I.E. Medica is the first and only pharmaceutical company in the Philippines to be granted AEO Level 1 status—a recognition reserved for organizations that demonstrate a high level of customs compliance, supply chain security, and operational reliability.
What AEO Level 1 Means
AEO certification is not awarded based on intent or declarations. It is the result of thorough assessment, documentation, and validation of how a company operates. AEO Level 1 signifies that an organization has been evaluated as a low-risk, compliant, and dependable participant in international trade.
For I.E. Medica, this means our internal systems, controls, and processes have met defined standards for responsible importation and regulatory discipline. It also allows for more efficient customs procedures, contributing to smoother and more predictable movement of healthcare products.
Why This Matters in Healthcare
In the pharmaceutical and healthcare space, operational efficiency is closely tied to access and continuity of care. Delays, disruptions, or inefficiencies in the supply chain can have real consequences beyond the organization itself.
AEO Level 1 certification supports our goal of operational efficiency and excellence by strengthening how we manage logistics, compliance, and coordination across the supply chain. It enables us to work more effectively with partners and stakeholders, while maintaining the level of regulatory integrity required in a highly controlled industry.
A Step Forward, Not a Finish Line
This milestone reflects the work done behind the scenes—investing in systems, building discipline into processes, and committing to long-term compliance rather than short-term convenience. It reinforces our position as a responsible and reliable partner in healthcare.
At I.E. Medica, we view AEO Level 1 certification as a foundation to build on. It supports our broader purpose of contributing to a stronger healthcare ecosystem by doing our work carefully, ethically, and with consistency.
As we move forward, we remain focused on improving how we operate, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that operational excellence continues to support better healthcare outcomes for Filipinos.
