The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) was named the Most Supportive Private Sector Partner during the Gabi ng Parangal sa Pagpupunyagi at Pag-alpas, an awards ceremony by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0, held on November 13, 2024, at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The foundation received the honor for its commitment to empowering out-of-school youth through innovative programs and partnerships, which also contribute to business growth and innovation.
“This recognition shows the power of collaboration,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director said “We firmly believe that the young people we engage through this program are not merely potential employees; rather, they represent the future innovators and contributors who will drive our economy forward. By investing in their potential, we are fostering a generation of leaders who will shape the future.”
JAAF’s flagship initiative, the Immersion Link for Enablers and Adapters Program (iLEAP), was a standout in fostering second-chance education systems in the Philippines. In collaboration with USAID Opportunity 2.0, iLEAP equips out-of-school youth with skills that prepare them for meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods. The foundation shares this accolade with Pizza Hut Philippines, which provides immersive opportunities for out-of-school youth, enabling them to gain real-world work experience.
“Through the iLEAP initiative, we have witnessed the transformative power of second chances. These opportunities have the potential to not only change individual lives but also to uplift entire communities. We are honored to collaborate with USAID and our esteemed partners in this endeavor, as we collectively strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face,” Romero added.
Romero was joined at the event by Glenda Carlota, JAAF Deputy Director, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who also expressed support for initiatives aimed at uplifting the youth.
USAID Opportunity 2.0 supports systems in the Philippines to provide second-chance education to 180,000 out-of-school youth across 15 cities, leading to their successful employment and livelihoods.
“Recognizing the capabilities of out-of-school youth and providing them with avenues to succeed benefits not just the individuals but the entire community,” Romero added. “This award inspires us to continue building pathways for success and inclusion.”
The USAID Opportunity 2.0 program acknowledged JAAF’s efforts in seamlessly integrating youth-focused initiatives into broader business strategies, making it a model for how private sector partners can drive both social impact and innovation.
For more information about the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, please visit /https://jamadoaranetafoundation.org. You may also like and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JAmadoAranetaFoundation/.
