Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

6090

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. RONALDO B. ZAMORA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to Juvenal Sanso, a Master Painter born
in Spain, but has spent most of his life here in the Philippines.

Juvenal Sanso first came to the Philippines in 1934 with his father, when he was just
four years of age. He took his first art lessons under Alejandro Celis in the years following the
Second World War, initially for their family-owned wrought-iron business. But in view of his
newfound interest and inclination to painting, he prompted his father to enroll him at the
University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, for more formal lessons in the art. He
received tutelage from a number of renowned artists, including Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo
Tolentino, Dominador Castafieda, Torribio Herrera and Ireneo Miranda. He also took special
classes at the University of Santo Tomas.

In March 1951, Sanso joined the annual exhibit of the Art Association of the
Philippines. His entry, an oil painting entitled “The Sorcerer,” won first prize. For the first time,
he was officially hailed an artist. Later that year, he won first prize for his water-color work,
“Incubus.” His professor, Antonio Garcia Llamas, advised Sanso to go to Europe. In 1952, he
took formal lessons in Rome and Paris.

Juvenal Sanso gained recognition in different parts of the globe not just for himself, but
for the Philippines as well. Many of his pieces depict Filipino themes and scenes, including
those in the “Baclad,” “Barong Tagalog,” and “Bulaklak” series. He was cited “Artist of the
Year” by the Cleveland Print Club. His work, “Moonglow,” was also chosen as “Print of the
Year” by the Philadelphia Print Club

Sanso has had exhibits in many capitals of the world. His pieces had been acquired by
major museums and private collectors worldwide. All recognitions that Sanso gained abroad
always traced him back to the Philippines. No wonder Filipino artists and critics always refer
to Sanso as “Spanish by birth, but Filipino at heart.” The Philippines was, and will always be,
in Sanso’s heart even when he lived abroad. He spent two to three months a year in Manila.
But in 2002, Sanso decided to retire and live permanently in the Philippines. He is registered
with the Philippine Retirement Authority.


Juvenal Sanso is now a nanogenarian. He maintains his endeavor and commitment to
provide scholarships to promising Filipino art students. Through his membership with the UP
College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, he has helped in making available valuable works of
art to the public. He was a volunteer mentor to art students in the Shell National Artist
competitions. In 2015, upon his guidance and generous support, the Fundacion Sanso (Sanso
Museum) was established in the City of San Juan.

Tearnestly urge all of my honorable Colleagues in the current 18" Congress to consider
and approve this bill with dispatch. Please allow this Representation to note, finally, that this
proposal had been filed and approved on Third Reading in the 14" and 16% Congresses,
authored then by Hon. Neptali M. Gonzales II, Hon. Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, and
Hon. Victoria Noel. Please accept my warmest personal regards,

Pann PK
RONALDO B. ZAMORA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

6090
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. RONALDO B. ZAMORA

AN ACT
GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP TO JUVENAL SANSO

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled;

SECTION 1. Juvenal Sanso is hereby granted Philippine Citizenship with all the rights and
privileges and prerogatives appurtenant thereto.

SECTION 2. After the taking and the registration of the oath of allegiance to the Republic of
the Philippines, Juvenal Sanso shall enter into the full enjoyment of Philippine Citizenship.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the
Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,