On February 26, 2023, Araneta City celebrates the 116th birth anniversary of its visionary founder, J. Amado “Amading” Araneta, who believed that every Filipino deserved a chance to lead a better life.
Amading, born in 1907 in Bago, Negros Occidental, is recognized for founding the Araneta Group, a diverse and progressive group of companies focused on property development, food service, leisure, and hospitality. He also established other successful enterprises in real estate, sugar, media, and entertainment.
In addition to his business achievements, Amading was a family man and well-respected by his employees and business partners. He raised his children, Jorge, Judy, and Maria, to give back to the community and promote inclusive growth, in line with his vision for a progressive nation.
The J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Inc. (JAAF), founded in Amading’s name, continues his legacy by serving as the social development arm of the Araneta Group. JAAF, a non-stock, not-for-profit grant-making organization, was established in 2002 to assist disadvantaged individuals, non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and local government units.
Over the years, JAAF has evolved into a grant-operating organization with programs focusing on education, culture and the arts, sports development, community development, and religious and spiritual development. JAAF provides support to over 200 scholars nationwide, maintains the art and history museum Gateway Gallery, offers emergency relief assistance, and implements housing, livelihood, and health initiatives for community development. JAAF also collaborates with others to promote the holistic development of Filipinos.
The same values that guided J. Amado as a family man, industrialist, and patriot — generosity, excellence, pioneering, and commitment — influence the current work of JAAF. With Judy Araneta-Roxas as president and Jorge L. Araneta as chair of the Board of Trustees, JAAF perpetuates the legacy of the great Araneta City founder by creating a holistic impact that benefits the community.
