Lapid bill seeks to rename QC’s Del Monte Avenue to FPJ Avenue
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Lito Lapid is seeking to rename an avenue in Quezon City after late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Lapid filed on Monday Senate Bill No. 1822, which seeks to rename Del Monte Avenue to Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue.
In filing the measure, Lapid, who is an actor himself, said Poe “inspired a generation of television and film culture.”
“While his films depicted him a hero that won the hearts of the masses, what made him more popular was the fact that he lived up to be a true hero with his charitable causes,” the bill’s explanatory bill read.
“His peers in the film industry could attest to his whole-hearted kindness to Filipinos knowing full well the struggles of hard work amid worsening socio-economic conditions that Filipino families face then and now,” it added.
“Thus, it is only fitting that a National Artist who championed the marginalized and oppressed with such dedication, branding, style, and iconic craft be fully recognized,” it further said.
Why Del Monte Avenue?
According to the measure, much of Poe’s “legacy lives on” in FPJ productions, which is located along Del Monte Avenue in Quezon City.
Lapid, in his bill, described Poe as “a great icon” not only in Philippine movies but also of the Filipino masses.
Poe starred close to 300 films in his 46-year movie career, some of which he himself directed, produced, and wrote, Lapid noted.
“His legacy in the local entertainment industry has left a tremendous amount of inspiration in capturing the socio-economic and political circumstances of the times,” the senator said.
Poe was declared a National Artist of the Philippines for Film in 2006, he added.
“Having never forgotten his impoverished roots, he made his life opportunities with championing the struggles of the poor and marginalized communities,” Lapid said.
“Popular culture through films and movies grew forth from FPJ’s industrious dedication to the craft and to the principle of championing the masses,” he added. [ac]
