Araneta City, JAAF expand support for Filipino weavers through HIBLA

Araneta City and its corporate social responsibility arm, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), are launching HIBLA: Tradition Woven Forward, a reimagined cultural initiative that expands its annual trade fair into a broader, future‑forward program supporting Filipino weavers and preserving indigenous textile traditions.

“Hibla, meaning ‘fiber’ or ‘strand,’ perfectly encapsulates the essence of what we aim to achieve,” said Diane Romero, Executive Director of JAAF. “Each thread tells a story—of our history, our communities, and our future.”

HIBLA builds on the legacy of Habi Fiesta!, which was held in 2024 and 2025 as a stand‑alone trade fair at Gateway Mall 1, Araneta City. For 2026, Araneta City and JAAF are expanding the initiative into a program that supports weavers beyond the marketplace.

JAAF X PPI FOR iLEAP CATALYZE

The Araneta Group, through its social development arm, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), is committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work opportunities for all Filipino youth. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, JAAF strives to equip disadvantaged youth with the skills and resources to overcome economic challenges and achieve self-sufficiency.

JAAF works with Philippine Pizza Holdings, Inc (PPI) for the Immersion Link for Enablers and Adapters Program (iLEAP) since 2021. This partnership was expanded for the USAID CATALYZE Asia Social Protection (ASP) Activity during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding last 13 September 2024 at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

JAAF Launches Spark-A-Change Youth-Led Community Development Challenge

J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) creates pockets of positive social changes in different corners of the Philippines through the projects that will be birthed in the Spark-a-Change, and, at the same time, invests in the development of the future generation of leaders.

Initiated in 2021, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation piloted the Challenge among its Scholars as part of their community outreach activities.  It awarded a seed grant to two projects on environmental protection and distance learning education from among the proposals sent for consideration.  For the second year, Spark-a-Change is bigger, and is open to youth organizations nationwide.

Community development literature emphasizes the importance of citizen participation as the main driver of strengthening communities. Through active participation, the youth are empowered to play a vital role in their development as well as in that of their communities.  Youth participation usher vital life-skills learnings, builds competencies, forms aspirations, increases confidence, opens valuable resources and network, encourages knowledge of human rights and citizenship, promotes positive civic action and sustained community development, among others.