President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a new law renaming Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City to Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Avenue, after the national artist also widely known as the "King of Philippine Movies."
"Roosevelt Avenue located in Legislative District 1 of Quezon City is hereby renamed as Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue," Republic Act No. 11608 read, signed by the president in December.
"The Department of Public Works and Highways shall issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the provisions of this Act within 60 days from its effectivity," it added.
Fernando Poe Jr, known as Da King, is dubbed the "King of Philippine Movies." He passed away on December 14, 2004, just months after losing in the controversial 2004 election against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He was later posthumously declared a National Artist of the Philippines in 2006, which was accepted by his family in 2012.
Senator Grace Poe, daughter of the late actor, expressed her gratitude to fellow lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives who pushed for the law's passing.
"My family and I are grateful and humbled by this legislation. FPJ Avenue gives my father's works and legacy a sense of place in our nation's history," she said in a statement.
"For every Filipino, every 'probinsyano' who will pass along this avenue, we hope this serves as a physical reminder that no dream is too big and no goal is ever out of reach," Poe added.
Roosevelt Avenue is the 2.9-kilometer road that runs between Epifanio de los Santos Avenue to the north and Quezon Avenue to the south.
It was where FPJ spent most of his childhood years, and where his ancestral home is located, according to Senator Poe's statement.
