Gonzalo Jun O. Catan Jr. started the Manila Pest Control in January 1961. He started by proposing free trial services for one month to customers. He then bought a sprayer and duster on terms. He worked mostly at night, starting at about four in the morning. In those days, established companies provided services for the control of just a few insects while he offered a complete service to get rid of all insects, rats, and other pests.

After a month of trials, he signed with four customers who were impressed with the results of his services the Manila Hotel, the Manila Times Publishing Company, the Jai-Alai Building, and the Safari Restaurant. With 60 percent of the payments he received as profit, he was able to resign from his job and concentrate on building the company.

By 1962, Mapecon had 300 customers and 19 employees. Mr. Catan continued to attract clients by giving free demonstrations of his services. He was then able to sign a chain of theaters, a shipping line, and more than 20 restaurants.

Today, Mapecon has grown from a single proprietorship entity to a multi-million-peso corporation with approximately 400 employees nationwide. It has numerous branches all over the country including the provinces of Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Legaspi, Baguio, Palawan, and many others.