BIZ BUZZ: UP alumni association honors Jorge Araneta

MANILA, Philippines — For embodying “the highest ideals of excellence and civic duty,” Jorge Araneta, 90, chair of the Araneta Group of Companies, was given the “2026 Most Distinguished Alumnus Award” by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) over the weekend.

Graduating in 1958 with a degree in business administration, Araneta has not forgotten his roots and continues to be a firm supporter of the state university’s endeavors, even cheering for the UP Fighting Maroons from his courtside seat at Araneta Coliseum.

In his acceptance speech, Araneta challenged the UP community to “continue building opportunities, communities, institutions and a nation worthy of the generations that will come after us.”

“I will never forget honor, integrity, excellence, service, country,” said Araneta, also a proud member of Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity, who was honored for championing social progress, cultural preservation and grassroots humanitarian aid over his long and distinguished career. The most distinguished alumnus award is the highest individual honor given by UPAA to an outstanding graduate who has attained national or international prestige, demonstrating extraordinary leadership and lasting societal impact. INQ