Poor families in Tondo received surprise Christmas packages sent today by Sen. Grace Poe, as she and mother Susan Roces quietly commemorated the 16th death anniversary of national artist Fernando Poe Jr. on Dec. 14.

“This is in keeping with the tradition adhered to by FPJ to look after the most needy during this season, especially in the most trying times,” Poe reminisced.

Led by son and chief of staff Brian Poe Llamanzares, Poe’s team handed the goods to families in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila.

The place was the movie title and location of one of FPJ’s enduring films. In “Tundo: Isla Puting Bato,” FPJ played the role of Hernan “Nanding” Perez who suffered and fought criminality and injustice.

Meanwhile, residents who were handed the Christmas packages thanked the senator and the family of the late actor, whose movies and their remakes including “Ang Probinsyano” are well patronized by many through the years.

“FPJ’s understanding, magnanimity and empathy for the disadvantaged and vulnerable have always been my inspiration and source of strength,” the senator enthused.

As a grandfather, FPJ was always protective and caring. His grandson Brian, now 28, recalled, “He always made us feel that he was close by, even amid his busy day or while filming a movie from a distance. His passion was immense and his insights kept us grounded.”

Earlier, Poe’s team also distributed packs of relief goods to families across the country who were most affected by the recent typhoons and floods amid the pandemic. 

The series of relief efforts were carried out through “Panday Bayanihan,” a nongovernment organization inspired by FPJ’s legacy and headed by Llamanzares.