Judy Araneta Roxas: A Life of Resilience, Philanthropy, and Quiet Leadership

Judy Araneta Roxas, known to many in both business and political circles as JAR, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, service, and humility.

From the boardroom of the Araneta Group to the causes of her family’s foundations, Judy Araneta Roxas leaves a legacy rooted in both enterprise and social responsibility.

Born on July 31, 1934, she was the eldest of three children of Ester Araneta and Jesus Amado Araneta, founder of the Araneta Group. From an early age, Judy was steeped in a tradition of leadership, as her family’s influence spanned commerce, agriculture, and public life.

Her marriage in 1955 to Senator Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas further intertwined her destiny with the country’s political fabric.

Together they raised two sons, Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas Jr., both of whom followed in their father’s political footsteps.

The untimely death of Dinggoy in 1993 was a painful chapter for the family, yet Judy carried herself with strength, serving as a source of stability for those around her.

Judy Araneta Roxas was not content to be defined solely by her family’s prominence. She built her own career in both corporate and philanthropic spheres.

As vice chairman of the Araneta Group, she guided one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates in property development, food service, leisure, and hospitality. At the same time, she embodied a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

She served as president of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, the social development arm of the group, where programs in education, housing, and community livelihood uplifted countless Filipino families.

She also chaired the Gerry Roxas Foundation and the President Manuel A. Roxas Foundation, both of which extended her family’s dedication to public service and nation-building.

A defining moment in her life came during the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing, when grenades exploded at a Liberal Party rally.

She was seriously injured but survived. Rather than retreating from public life, Judy’s resolve deepened. She became a matriarch and mentor within the Liberal Party, her presence a reminder of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Injured in the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing, she emerged as a symbol of resilience and a guiding hand in Philippine business and politics. (Photo: Center for Southeast Asian Studies)

Her quiet strength during Martial Law and her steady hand during the turbulent political climate of the 1970s and 1980s underscored her role as a guardian of democratic ideals.

Her service was recognized both at home and abroad. In 1987, Pope John Paul II awarded her the Papal Award in acknowledgment of her contributions to the Catholic faith and society.

She was also the first recipient of the Benigno S. Aquino Award for Nationalism, honoring her commitment to democracy and social progress.

Despite her many titles and achievements, Judy was known for her humility. She rarely sought the spotlight, preferring instead to support causes quietly and lead with dignity.

Even when she played a major role in supporting her son Mar’s 2016 presidential bid, she remained a steady, guiding figure rather than a public personality.

In her passing, Judy Araneta Roxas leaves behind more than the legacy of a matriarch of two storied Filipino families.

She leaves a life story of resilience through personal and political trials, a commitment to philanthropy that shaped communities, and a quiet but firm belief in the responsibilities of leadership.

For the business world, political sphere, and countless beneficiaries of her foundations, JAR’s influence will continue to endure.