The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has changed its final stop in the north to Fernando Poe Jr. station in accordance with Republic Act 11608, a law signed in 2020 renaming Roosevelt Avenue as Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue in honor of the late action star. The ceremonial unveiling of the new station name was done on the late Filipino screen icon’s 84th birthday last August 20th.

However, allocating resources and attention to symbolic actions like renaming a transportation hub at a time when the country faces a multitude of pressing challenges reflects a disconnect between the government’s responsibilities and the needs of the population. The Philippines grapples with a host of significant issues, including poverty, inadequate healthcare, unemployment, infrastructure deficiencies, and environmental challenges. By focusing on renaming a station, officials appear to divert attention from addressing these pressing problems that directly impact the livelihoods and well-being of Filipinos. The allocation of resources, time, and public discourse towards a name change could be better utilized to implement meaningful solutions for these issues.

While honoring cultural icons is important, the renaming of a transportation station can be seen as a symbolic gesture that may not directly address the everyday challenges faced by the population. The distinction between symbolism and substantive action should be recognized, and decisions made by the government should primarily focus on creating positive change in the lives of citizens.