ARANETA City celebrated the 116th birth anniversary of its visionary founder and builder, J. Amado Araneta — a man who believed that every Filipino deserves an opportunity to have a better life — on Feb. 26, 2023.

Born in 1907 in Bago, Negros Occidental, he 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.

Araneta 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 (SEC) as a non-stock, not-for-profit grant-making organization that extends assistance to disadvantaged individuals, nonprofit organizations, religious institutions and local government units.

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 Araneta as chairman of the board of rrustees, JAAF continues to create a holistic impact that perpetuates the legacy of the great Araneta City founder.