Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 254)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 254 is to create the Juan Luna Centennial Commission to appreciate Juan Luna's artistic contributions and recognize his patriotic services to the Philippines.
The Commission is composed of a chairman, Hon. Quintin Paredes, and members including government officials such as the Secretary of Education, directors of the National Museum, presidents of historical and art societies, and private individuals, totaling 21 members including the secretary.
The Commission is authorized to organize itself, prepare the general program for the centennial activities, and call upon any government department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality for information or assistance needed to perform its functions.
The Commission is expected to prepare the general program of the Centenary activities and render a comprehensive report within one year after the celebration’s conclusion.
Juan Luna was the first internationally famous Filipino painter born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, whose artistry introduced Filipino culture and history to other countries.
Notable figures mentioned include Rizal, M. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Pardo de Tavera, who worked with Juan Luna in glorifying the country through their respective arts and writings.
The Commission must publish the comprehensive report within one year after the conclusion of the centennial celebration.
It characterizes Juan Luna’s contribution as a God-given gift that helped introduce Filipino people, culture, and history internationally and expresses his patriotism through memorable historical paintings.
The legal basis is the power vested in the President of the Philippines by law to create commissions for national purposes, as exercised by President Carlos P. Garcia in this Executive Order.