The Leap of Faith That Built a Legacy: Sarah Deloraya-Mateo at 30 Years of SPD Jobs

 

Three decades ago, SPD Jobs, Inc. began not in a grand office or corporate boardroom, but in the heart of a young respiratory therapist with a dream, relentless determination, and unwavering faith. Today, that dream has transformed into one of the country’s respected manpower and recruitment companies, touching thousands of lives across the Philippines.

During the company’s 30th Anniversary and Employees Summit, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo delivered an emotional and inspiring speech titled “Legacy and Leap: A Story of 30 Years, Told from the Heart,” reflecting on the struggles, sacrifices, and miracles that shaped the company’s remarkable journey.

 

“While others were sleeping, I was working. While others were enjoying their weekends, I was working,” she shared. “Not because I had to, but because I believed.” 

Sarah recounted how a life-changing book, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, awakened her mindset and strengthened her belief that dreams become reality through faith, hard work, and perseverance.

“That book taught me that what the mind can conceive and the heart can believe, God can make possible,” she said. “I stopped asking, ‘Can I do this?’ and started declaring, ‘I will do this.’”

She also honored the people who helped build SPD from the ground up, including her sister Abby, cousin Alyne, and close friend Ditdit Conarco, who first inspired the idea of putting up a manpower agency. In a touching tribute, Sarah remembered Alyne and Mrs. Chu of Malabon Mirror—both of whom have already passed away—but whose faith and support became pillars of the company’s success.

 

“When SPD had no track record, Mrs. Chu gave me one,” Sarah recalled. “When I had only dreams and no proof, she gave me the most precious gift any entrepreneur can receive—opportunity.”

From humble beginnings and a modest capital of ₱50,000, SPD Jobs slowly grew through years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and countless prayers. What started as a tiny office eventually expanded nationwide, helping thousands of Filipinos secure meaningful employment and better futures.

 

Sarah emphasized that SPD’s legacy goes far beyond business success.

“Legacy is the mother who finally found a job and could send her child to school,” she said. “Legacy is every single life that passed through our hands and left a little brighter than before.”

The company’s milestones, including its ISO 9001:2015 certification and recognition through the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Level 2, were celebrated not as trophies, but as symbols of excellence, integrity, and service.

In one of the most memorable parts of her speech, Sarah revealed the deeper meaning behind the name SPD:

“S means Strength. P means Purpose. D means Destiny,” she declared. “Strength through resilience, Purpose through service, and Destiny through the brighter future we help create for others.”

She also paid heartfelt tribute to her husband, Arnel Mateo, family members, mentors, business partners, HR practitioner friends, and employees who stood beside her throughout the journey.

“To every employee here tonight, you are not working for SPD. You are SPD,” she told the crowd.

As SPD Jobs marks its 30th year, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo reminded everyone that true success is measured not only by achievements, but by the lives uplifted along the way. With faith as its foundation and people at the center of its mission, SPD Jobs now looks toward the future with the same courage and conviction that started it all three decades ago.

“Thirty years ago, three people believed. Today, a thousand of us believe,” she said. “Tomorrow, may millions believe because of what we choose to do next.”