Malacañang on Wednesday announced that Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Margarita Fores, and Gloria Romero will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit.
“The event is confirmed,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters when asked about the matter.
The awarding ceremony will take place on May 4.
The Presidential Medal of Merit is one of the highest honors conferred by a Philippine president, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions to nation-building.
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by her son Ian. She was laid to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22, which was also declared a Day of National Mourning by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Pilita Corrales, known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, also passed away on April 12 at the age of 87.
Hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists, Corrales recorded over 135 albums in various languages, including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano, showcasing Filipino artistry and diversity.
Margarita Fores, the celebrated restaurateur and chef behind renowned establishments like Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park, died on February 11 in Hong Kong after suffering from cardiac arrest. She was 65. In 2016, Fores was named Asia's Best Female Chef and was posthumously recognized by The World's 50 Best Restaurants for her contributions to the culinary world.
Gloria Romero, a veteran actress, passed away on January 25 at the age of 91. Throughout her more than 70-year career, Romero received multiple acting awards for her exceptional performances in films such as Magnifico, Dalagang Ilocana, Tarima, Tanging Yaman, and Rainbow’s Sunset.