How We Began
SPCI was founded in the Philippines in 1986 by two pioneers in the field of project management.
Working for the Bureau of Public Works in the 1930s and early 1940s, the late Salvador Q. Castro, Sr. was project engineer of Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Bridge, an Art Deco style arch bridge in Manila inspired from the design of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. He was also project engineer of a number of buildings still standing in the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. The first project manager to specialize in textile mill construction, he project-managed Universal Textile Mills and Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corporation (Filsyn).
And he was the owner’s consultant in the construction and renovation of iconic The Peninsula Manila.
Constantly encouraged by Salvador Sr. to be better than him, Salvador Jr. continues to do his father proud with trophy projects in healthcare, high-end hospitality, and institutions. In 1984, Salvador P. Castro Jr. led a 5,000-strong team from 30 nations in the fast-track completion of Brunei Darussalam’s Istana Nurul Iman, His Majesty the Sultan’s Palace. The Guinness Book of World Records lists it as the biggest palace in the world.
An opportunity to work overseas in the early 1980s saw Salvador Jr. serve as country head of the Brunei Darussalam (and later, Thailand) operations of the Philippines’ largest and most prestigious real estate company. He also served as deputy coordinator for real estate in Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. This international exposure gave him the knowledge and experience to successfully conduct business and complete projects within the ASEAN.
Our Founding Board. (From L to R) Salvador Q. Castro, Sr. (Chairman), Francisco B. Dinglasan (Member), Eugene A. Tan (Corporate Secretary), Salvador P. Castro, Jr. (Managing Director), and Ruperto J. Demonteverde, Jr. (Treasurer) at SPCastro, Inc.’s first office on the 9th floor of the former Pacific Bank Building (now Security Bank Building) along Ayala Avenue in Makati.
In Brunei Darussalam, where SPCI spent its first decade of operations, the company thrived in fast track, institutional trophy projects that gave equal priority to time, cost, and quality. Among its fast-track trophy projects are the Brunei International Convention Centre (finished in time for the 1989 ASEAN Ministerial Meeting), the Royal Regalia Building (completed in time for the Silver Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty The Sultan of Negara Brunei Darussalam’s Coronation), the Masjid Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah (a spectacular golden-domed two-storey Sultan’s Mosque), and the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Kompleks (a mixed-use commercial complex that served as His Majesty The Sultan’s gift to his subjects on his 50th birthday).
Hands on, efficient, and committed to excellence and professional integrity, the dynamic men and women of SPCI took on more trophy projects upon their return to the Philippines in 1996. Their first was The Marco Polo Davao, a 22,000-sq.m., 18-storey, 4-star international-standard business hotel. Project-managed The Marco Polo Davao, the first hotel that was completed ahead of time. This project marked SPCI’s return to the Philippines through the back door (Davao City, Mindanao). It also proved the company’s ability to translate ASEAN project management technology to the local setting.
Our Firsts
- ISO 9001-Certified in Construction Management (from 1998 to present)
- Senior Officers are ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineers (ACPEs). First civil engineer conferred as Filipino ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (FACPE)
- All staff members are trained in International Construction Contracts (FIDIC Contracts)
- Project-managed three top hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA)
- Project-managed The Marco Polo Davao, the first hotel that was completed on time.
Our Core Values
More than 30 years since SPCI was established, the core values first introduced by our founders, Salvador Q. Castro, Sr. and Salvador P. Castro, Jr., remain very much in place. Guided by these principles, we are proud to call them our own.
Our Core Values
More than 30 years since SPCI was established, the core values first introduced by our founders, Salvador Q. Castro, Sr. and Salvador P. Castro, Jr., remain very much in place. Guided by these principles, we are proud to call them our own.
Our Approach
SPCI’s Commitment: Quality Service with Professional Integrity
Treating every project as a trophy project, SPCI employs an efficient, pro-active approach to project management, in accordance with world-class standards and client’s specific requirements.
Observing independence, impartiality, and professional integrity with every undertaking, SPCI is committed to delivering only the highest standards of service and professionalism to each and every client.
