PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will posthumously confer the Presidential Medal of Merit on four iconic Filipino figures in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country’s cultural and artistic heritage, Malacañang confirmed yesterday.

Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed a report that celebrated 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 will receive the presidential award in a ceremony on May 4 in Malacañang.

The Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service or achievement in their fields that bring honor to the country.

Aunor died on April 16. Her groundbreaking work in Philippine cinema spanned more than five decades, marked by critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Himala” and “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.”

The President visited Aunor’s wake on Monday to personally convey his condolences to the family of the National Artist.

Corrales, who passed away on April 12, was best known for her trailblazing career as a singer and entertainer across Asia, paving the way for Filipino artists on the international stage.

Romero, who died on Jan. 25, was regarded as a matriarch of Philippine cinema, having starred in classic films since the 1950s and earning acclaim for her grace and longevity in the industry.

Meanwhile, Fores, who died on Feb. 11, was a celebrated culinary innovator and entrepreneur, credited with promoting Filipino cuisine globally and named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016. Philippine News Agency

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