LRT 1 station renamed to honor FPJ

A Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 station was renamed in honor of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ).

Roosevelt Station in Quezon City was changed to Fernando Poe Jr. Station on the day of the actor's 84th birthday, Aug, 20.

This is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11608, which was authored by Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid, co-sponsored by then-Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, and signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on December 10, 2022.

The opening ceremony saw FPJ's daughter, Sen. Mary Grace Poe, Lapid, Sotto, as well as actor Coco Martin.

"I hope people remember FPJ whenever they board this train. Public service has always been in FPJ's heart. Giving commuters a safe and comfortable ride is a way of keeping his legacy alive. Having an FPJ Station is a beautiful gift for FPJ and his followers," Poe said.

According to Light Rail Manila Corporation, the name change "signifies the start of LRMC’s transition efforts to update and reflect the new station name on its overall system assets and collaterals in phases."

LRMC president and CEO Juan F. Alfonso also added: “In renaming Roosevelt Station to Fernando Poe Jr. Station, we hope that Filipinos will always remember and will be inspired by how FPJ lived with values of determination, courage, and hope. LRMC shares these values and supports the promotion of local arts and culture.”

The event also featured a pop-up exhibit about the actor.

FPJ suffered a stroke during a Christmas party and died on Dec. 14, 2004. The former film director, producer, screenwriter and politician lived along Roosevelt Avenue.

He was hailed as the "King of Philippine Movies" and was declared National Artist for Film in 2006.