MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will honor four iconic Filipino figures posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Merit, acknowledging their significant contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of the nation.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, the presidential award will be handed over in a ceremony on May 4 in Malacañang.
The recipients are late screen legend and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor; renowned singer and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales; cinema icon Gloria Romero; and internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores.
The Presidential Medal of Merit is conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service or accomplishments in their respective fields, thereby bringing honor to the nation.
Aunor, who passed away on April 16, had a pioneering career in Philippine cinema that spanned nearly 70 years characterized by critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Himala” and “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos”.
Corrales, who died on April 12, was renowned for her groundbreaking career as a singer and entertainer throughout Asia, paving the way for Filipino artists on the global stage.
Romero, who passed away on January 25, was esteemed as a matriarch of Philippine cinema, having appeared in classic films since the 1950s and receiving recognition for her elegance and enduring presence in the industry.
Meanwhile, Fores, who died on February 11, was a distinguished culinary innovator and entrepreneur, recognized for her efforts in promoting Filipino cuisine worldwide and honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016./PN
