Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

25 SeP ‘714
BULKY

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5053

HOUSE BILL NO,

Introduced by
Representatives JOSEPHINE VERONIQUE “Jaye” R. LACSON-NOEL

and
VICTORIA G. NOEL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to grant Philippine citizenship in deference to the rich cultural
heritage that has made the Philippines a vigorous artistic community, especially in the
art of painting,

Inspired by the likes of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, two Filipino
painters recognized in Europe, it is submitted that Philippine citizenship be accorded to a
foreign national artistic painter whose heart has always been a Filipino ~ Master Painter
Juvenal Sanso.

Juvenal Sanso came to the Philippines in 1934 when his father, Jose Sanso-
Pedret decided to settle in the Philippines. He was four years old. He received his first
art lesson from Alejandro Celis, one of the first graduates of the U.P School of Fine
Arts, who introduced the young Juvenal to a whole universe. He later enrolled at the U.P
School of Fine Arts. His art professors were Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino,
Dominador Castaneda, Torribio Herrera and Ireneo Miranda. It was in U.P where Sanso
found himself totally committed to art.

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 and for the
first time he was considered an artist. Later that year, he won first prize in water color
for a work entitled “Incubus”, His professor Antonio Garcia Llamas advised Sanso to go
to Europe if he was serious about a career in art. Sanso departed for Europe in 1952
where he took formal art lessons in Rome and Paris.

Juvenal Sanso made a name for himself in different parts of the globe but the
Philippines, his home country, always had a special place in his heart. His painting
depicted themes and scenes of the Philippines such as his “Baclad”, “Barong Tagalog”
and “Bulaklak” series. He was cited “Artist of the Year” by the Cleveland Print Club.
His work entitled “Moonglow” was chosen as “Print of the Year” by the Philadelphia
Print Club. Sanso exhibited his works in all capitals of the world. His paintings were
acquired by major museum and private collectors world-wide. All the recognitions he
received abroad always traced him back to the Philippines. Filipino artist and critics
refer to Sanso as “Spanish by birth but Filipino at heart”. The Philippines was and is
always in Sanso’s heart even when he lived abroad. He spent two to three months a year
in Manila. In 2002, Sanso decided to retire and live permanently in the Philippines. He
registered with the Philippine Retirement Authority.



Juvenal Sanso is now eighty four (84) years old. And part of his many continuing
commitments to his beloved country, the Philippines, is to give scholarships to
promising Filipino art students. Through his membership with the U.P College of Fine
Arts Alumni Foundation he helps in making available valuable works of art to the
public. He is a volunteer mentor to art students in the Shell National Artist competitions.

In view of the foregoing, this bill is respectfully submitted for approval.

JOSEPHINE VERONIQUE ‘flaye” R. LACSON-NOEL VICTORIA G. NOEL



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS:
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5053

Introduced by
Representatives JOSEPHINE VERONIQUE “Jaye” R. LACSON-NOEL
and
VICTORIA G, NOEL

“AN ACT GRANTING PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP
TO JUVENAL SANSO”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative of the Republic 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,