SAN CARLOS, Pangasinan — Family, friends, and over 600 supporters of the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr. gathered on December 14 to honor his enduring legacy with the inauguration of an eco park in his hometown on the occasion of his 20th death anniversary.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list first nominee Brian Poe led the event alongside his mother Sen. Grace Poe, actress Lovi Poe, San Carlos Mayor Ayoy Resuello, and other local officials.
“Ang Pamilyang FPJ ay galing sa Pangasinan at lalung-lalo na dito sa San Carlos…Proud si FPJ na sabihing siya ay taga-San Carlos. Kaya hindi namin puwede kaligtaan ang lugar na ito,” Senator Poe said.
Senator Poe said the FPJ Esplanade and Eco Park is a family-friendly tourist attraction where people can gather, celebrate milestones, and enjoy the Christmas season.
“Ito ay isang alaala ni FPJ. Sa mga pelikula niya, binibigyan niya ng pag-asa ang mga inaapi. Binibigyan niya ng pag-asa ang mga mahihirap. At sa tunay na buhay pinatutunayan niya iyon sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga tao,” she added.
Among the main proponents of the FPJ Esplanade and Eco Park is Brian Poe, who is now a resident of San Carlos. He reaffirmed the Poe family’s commitment to serving the community.
“Itutuloy namin ang serbisyo ng Pamilyang Poe dito sa San Carlos. Kung mayroon kayong kailangan sa amin, dito malalapitan niyo ako,” said Brian Poe, who also led FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list relief efforts last August after a fire affected over 400 stall owners in the city’s old public market.
In Manila, the Poe family also marked FPJ’s 20th death anniversary with commemorative activities at the Manila North Cemetery, attended by over 200 friends and supporters.