A city in Batangas province unveiled a life-sized statue of the late actor and King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr (FPJ) on his birth anniversary on Tuesday, August 20.

In a post shared by his daughter, Senator Grace Poe, the officials and residents in San Jose, Batangas commemorated the late actor’s 85th birthday with a special event.

“Nakiisa tayo sa mga mamamayan ng San Jose, Batangas sa inagurasyon ng rebulto ni FPJ sa tapat ng FPJ Arena,” the senator wrote in a post, alongside some snaps from the event.

She went on: “Sana'y magsilbing inspirasyon para sa pagmamahal sa kapwa at bayan ang imaheng ito ng aking ama. Maraming salamat sa pagpapahalaga ninyo sa legasiya ni Da King, San Jose at Batangas!”

READ: Lovi, Grace, Ron Poe remember dad FPJ on his birthday

Senator Grace was accompanied by her son, Brian Poe Llamanzares, who was also the president of a non-government organization named after the late actor.

In her speech, Senator Grace recalled how happy she was that a statue of her late father was built and displayed in the place where her mother, the late actress Susan Roces, loved to stay during her day-offs.

“Sa San Jose nandito kasi ang farm ng aking nanay na maliit,” she shared. “Yung nanay ko kapag weekend, pumupunta siya dyan. May mga alaga siyang halaman… Ito yung pinakapaborito niyang lugar na puntahan para magpahinga kapag hindi siya nagtetaping noon ng Ang Probinsyano, so tamang-tama lang na nandito rin na ipinagbubunyi natin ang kanilang legasiya.”

She also shared that her father's statue symbolizes the family and the city’s means of helping other people.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo dito sa Batangas,” Senator Grace said.

“Sobrang natutuwa kami and naappreciate namin ang effort niyo,” Brian remarked.

The Senator’s son also wrote a tribute to his grandfather, who inspired him to continue his legacy of helping people.

“Papa Ronnie (FPJ) wanted and worked for happiness and success for the Filipino people," he said in an article in Philstar Global. "Twenty years since his passing, I am glad to say that I have encountered many Filipinos from all walks of life who share Papa Ronnie’s dream. I know now that I am not alone, and that FPJ’s dreams live on.”

He added: “In this time of complex challenges confronting our nation on all fronts, I miss Papa Ronnie. If FPJ were still alive today, his love for the ordinary Filipino would undoubtedly inspire us to be better. We are blessed that his extraordinary life of selflessness, sincerity and compassion continue to light our way, so we could move forward from poverty to prosperity.”

Last year, San Jose also built an arena named after FPJ to remember his legacy.

Meanwhile, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo lead star and director Coco Martin also paid his tribute to Fernando Poe Jr, who he called a hero and an idol to all Filipinos.

“Isang karangalan ang magpatuloy ng kanyang nasimulan. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, siya ang bayani at idolo ng bawat Pilipino,” Coco said.“Maraming salamat sa inspirasyon at pag-asa. Habang buhay ka naming pasasalamatan, Da King.”

Coco also posted a photo edit of FPJ’s films, saying, “Mananatili ang iyong mga alaala, ikaw ang aming inspirasyon sa FPJ’s Batang Quiapo. Maraming salamat, Da King! 🤍.”