The P.S. Group of Companies was founded by Pablo Sarmiento Sr., a pioneering entrepreneur who, along with his brothers Feliciano Sarmiento Sr. and Lorenzo Sarmiento Sr., launched a variety of businesses catering to the needs and desires of Filipinos as soon as the World War II ended. Their ventures spanned across several industries, including used clothing, garden tools, jeepneys, army surplus, and tomatoes, among others.
Family & Enterprise
The story of the Sarmiento brothers – Feliciano, Lorenzo, and Pablo – is deeply intertwined with their strong bond as a team. Described as having a special relationship, they demonstrated mutual regard and respect for one another. Their connection was so profound that it is noted as being among the few Filipino families who managed to stay together through the decades. Part of the secret to their enduring relationship was the simple fact that they were brothers.
Their approach to business was characterized by cooperation and a consultative way of making major business decisions. Even when their businesses grew large and were broken into separate corporations, they maintained overall joint management.
In the early days, they worked and lived together, sharing risks and profits equally: a testament to their commitment was their vow after the war to stay together. Although they were sometimes physically apart due to business endeavors in different locations, they managed to keep close.
Beyond business, the brothers shared a deep sense of family and valued loyalty and service to society. They lived by a philosophy of hard work and integrity. They faced hardships together, including being imprisoned by the Japanese during the war and participating in the escape from Muntinlupa in February 1945. This shared experience likely further solidified their bond.
While they worked closely, they also had unique ways of interacting. For instance, in times of grief or when needing to navigate sensitive differences of opinion, they would sometimes rely on a trusted employee or a grandchild to serve as a go-between. This highlights a practical way they maintained harmony while respecting each other's feelings.
The strength of their union stemmed from their shared values and a collective dedication to achieving their goals. Together, they built an empire that was among the country's top 50 corporations by 1990.
The collaborative spirit, mutual support, and shared vision of Feliciano, Loreto, and Pablo Sarmiento were fundamental to their success and continue to be a cornerstone of the legacy they built.
our history & experience
SARBRO, established in 1948, was their inaugural venture, engaging in import-export and general merchandising, mainly focusing on used clothing.
LS Sarmiento & Co., established in 1958, is a construction firm that branched out into logging and sawmilling. Originally a highway engineering and building construction company, its notable projects encompass the Davao City Waterworks System, the Bacolod-Pontevedra Highway, the Simulao River Dam in Agusan, the Davao City Diversion Road, and the Batoto-Saug River Dam in Davao del Norte.
Vitarich, established in 1950 and originally known as the Philippine American Milling Company, is a prominent dealer in the Philippines specializing in the modern production of various animal feeds, poultry, and processed meats.
Sarmiento Industries, established in the 20th century, stands as one of the Philippines' most expansive integrated wood processing firms. Occupying 24 hectares in Bario Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, in the Mindanao province, it boasts two plywood plants, a sawmill, and lumber finishing mills. The company's primary plywood markets include the United States and the People's Republic of China, with exports going through Hong Kong.
Founded in 1965, Banco Davao was initially called Davao City Development Bank until 1974. The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) was the first significant partner of the Sarmientos in this venture. Banco Davao stands as a testament to the Sarmiento brothers' pioneering spirit and their firm dedication to national development.
Sarphil Corporation, established in 1978 by the Sarmiento brothers, was primarily focused on agricultural development.
Since 1969, Sarmiento Securities Corporation has been offering contractual services and serving as a consultant to individuals, associations, and companies.
Founded by an American in 1926 and acquired by Sarmiento in 1972, Manila Machinery & Supply Company, Inc. has been active in various sectors including mining, sugar, coconut, and wood manufacturing. The company has also ventured into innovative fields like alternative energy sources, including coal, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, it offers services such as equipment rental, machinery installation, fabrication, turnkey projects, and technology consulting.
Founded in 1968, Sarmiento Engineering Corporation is a leading truck body manufacturer. The company specializes in constructing heavy-duty transportation bodies, including buses, trailers, refrigerated vans, leisure vehicles, dump trucks, lorry tanks, custom-designed armored vehicles, ambulances, and jeeps for both private and government entities. Its clientele encompasses notable names such as Pepsi-Cola, San Miguel Corp., Fortune Tobacco, Cosmos Bottling Co., Pasvil and Superline Bus Companies, Metro Manila Transit Corporation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, various government agencies, truck assemblers, and automotive dealers.
Mindanao Rattan Corporation, is the Philippines’ largest manufacturer and exporter of rattan furniture.