Exactly a year after the inauguration of the first sports arena named after National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., another symbolic tribute to the “Da King” of Philippine Movies rose at the Municipality of San Jose in Batangas.
“Ito po ay makasaysayan, dito po sa atin unang itinayo ang statue ni Fernando Poe Jr. sa Pilipinas”, San Jose Mayor Valentino R. Patron said in his remarks at the landmark’s unveiling ceremony last August 20.
Along with the completion of FPJ arena and statue is the underlining of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Organization’s presence in Batangas. Panday Bayanihan champions the spirit of civic unity and community service among Filipinos to support especially in times of crisis. Through donors, the org can reach out to those who need help the most.
“Kami pong mga senior citizens ay hindi nagsasawang humingi, dahil hindi din sila (Panday Bayanihan) nagsasawang magbigay ng tulong at sana’y magpatuloy pa din silang tumulong lalo doon sa mga senior citizens na nasa kabukiran”, OSCA-San Jose Head Mr. Gerardo P. Macalintal noted. The Panday Bayanihan also extends its assistance and services to the youth and other facets of the community.
“Gusto ko din ma-diversify ang source of income ng ating munisipalidad,” Mayor Patron shares. “Kami ay agricultural municipality, wala namang kaming dagat… itong mga imprastraktura ni FPJ ay para na din sa turismo… isang assurance na ang ating social services ay magpapatuloy.”
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe who was also in attendance, emphasized that she is prudent with her parent’s legacy: “Isang malaking pribilehiyo sa akin ang maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan kahit wala na si FPJ”
FPJ, his family, and the municipality of San Jose share a storied and fruitful history. “Hindi po alam ng lahat, dati pa man ay pumupunta na sa dito sa Barangay namin si Ma’am Susan Roces tuwing Mayo para magdasal at mag-alay (sa Birhen), kaya malaking bagay po sa amin na nirerecognize nila kami bilang pangalawang tirahan” Councilor Vanessa Patron stated in an interview with WowBatangas.com
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