As the college that educated many of the country’s prominent visual artists–from National Artists to successful creatives who work in related fields–the University of the Philippines-College of Fine Arts (UPCFA) is commendable for its constant contribution to Philippine art.
UPCFA is also the alma mater of Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sansó, and his student years there played a big role in his growth as an artist. In a gesture of giving back to Sansó’s first art school, Fundacion Sansó turned over part of the proceeds from their Masters Giclees sales to UPCFA for the establishment of the Leo Abaya Thesis Grant last February 24, 2023. This was made possible through the kindness and generosity of the Aguilar-Alcuaz and Imao families, as the grant comes from the sale of Masters Giclées Set of limited-edition prints by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Abdulmari Imao, and Sansó.
In attendance were UPCFA Dean Marc San Valentin, UP Fine Arts Gallery curator Dr. Dayang Yraola, who facilitated this turnover Chair of Department of Studio Arts Professor Riza Romero, Chair of Department of Theory Professor May Lyn Cruz, College Secretary Manolo Sicat, and Toym Leon Imao. Also, in attendance were Fundacion Sansó’s director Ricky Francisco, Education Officer Veronica Fuentes, and Administrative Officer Analyn David.
Named after the late artist and UPCFA professor and mentor Leo Abaya, this Thesis Grant is for the research and development of thesis projects for undergraduate and graduate students of the college. Francisco shared that four years ago, Abaya suggested a grant for thesis research and production, as he observed that many Fine Arts students were not able to produce the works that they had originally envisioned because of lack funds.
Unfortunately, Abaya passed away on May 26, 2021; but Francisco made sure that the creation of this grant would push through. “We have chosen to bestow this grant for research and thesis production so that the Fine Arts students could freely create what they want,” said Francisco at the UPCFA turnover.
During his acceptance of the donation, San Valentin said that, “Although the students’ tuitions are free, there are no subsidies given for their materials, so what they visualize in their thesis projects are not usually the final outcome, and that is why some usually settle for a lesser format; this would be a big motivation for them.” Valentin added that the grant would also help further the legacy of Abaya. “I am pleased that it is named after Leo, as he is a true mentor; and this is, in a way, a continuation of his mentorship.”
Francisco cites that this is not the first time Sanso donated to UPCFA, as he has done so discreetly in the past. Sansó knew of the importance of having a scholarship, as he was once a beneficiary of a monthly stipend while studying abroad. And as noted in the 2014 book Sansó: An Introduction by Duffie Hufana Osental, as well as in several letters, Mr. Sansó expressed his wish to establish a scholarship for art students. A regular scholarship stipend fund for deserving students, and now this Thesis Grant, are just two of the programs.
The Leo Abaya Thesis Grant will be divided into equal funds for the thesis production of Sculpture, Painting, and Installation, to help promote and encourage other art forms. Hopefully, a similar project can be raised in the future to continuously benefit even more UPCFA students.
