On Feb. 26, Araneta City celebrates the 116th birth anniversary of its visionary founder and
builder, J. Amado “Amading” Araneta -- a man who believed that every Filipino deserves an opportunity
to have a better life.
Born in 1907 in Bago, Negros Occidental, Amading was known to have founded the Araneta Group,
which has grown into a diverse and progressive group of companies anchored on property
development, food service, leisure, and hospitality. He was also behind the establishment of other
successful enterprises in real estate, sugar, media, and entertainment.
Though recognized for his business acumen, 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 open doors for inclusive growth to make the “Araneta Dream” of a progressive nation
take place.
His dream of bringing the good life to the people continues through the foundation that bears his name:
the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Inc. (JAAF). Serving as the social development arm of the Araneta
Group, JAAF was incorporated in 2002 with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, not-for-profit grant-making organization that extends assistance to disadvantaged individuals, non-profit
organizations, religious institutions, and local government units.
Through the years, JAAF has transformed into a grant–operating organization with programs focusing on
education, culture and the arts, sports development, community development, and religious/ spiritual
development. It supports over 200 scholars nationwide; continues to nurture its art and history
museum, Gateway Gallery; extends emergency relief assistance; provides housing, livelihood, and health
initiatives for community development; and has made collaborations for 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 continues to create a
holistic impact that perpetuates the legacy of the great Araneta City founder.