Bataan councilor proposes FPJ Park

Mariveles, Bataan — If municipal councilor Amante Versoza has his way, he wants the six-hectare Mt. San Miguel here converted into a park dedicated to his idol — Fernando Poe Jr.

Versoza, a movie bit player who served as Poe’s coordinator in this province, said he is in fact working with Emmalyn Peliglorio, wife of Mayor Angel Peliglorio who chairs the local tourism council, to make his dream come true.

As Versoza envisions it, the FPJ Park in coastal Barangay Sisiman will have a floating restaurant, mini-mart, cottages and bird sanctuary, and the old grotto there improved. The total estimated cost: P9.6 million.

Thirty-four of Poe’s movie hits from 1970 to 2002 were reportedly filmed in this southernmost Bataan town.

As a gesture of gratitude, the Mariveles municipal council passed a resolution in 1996 declaring Poe an adopted son.

Poe, an actor-turned-presidential candidate, died after becoming comatose from a stroke last Dec. 14. — Raffy Viray