Marcos honors Aunor, Corrales, Romero, Forés with Presidential Medal of Merit
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday, May 4, posthumously awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit to four cultural icons: Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero, and Margarita Forés, celebrating their unparalleled contributions to Philippine cinema, music, and cuisine.
The Presidential Medal of Merit, created under Executive Order No. 236 in 2003, recognizes individuals for their valuable input and excellence in the service of nation-building. It is one of the highest civilian distinctions granted by the Philippine government.
“Today, we honor four women who have not only mastered their respective crafts but have also helped shape the cultural identity of the Filipino people,” Marcos said during the conferment ceremony held in Malacañang.
The President also expressed gratitude to the families of the honorees, all of whom passed away earlier this year.
“Ang kanilang sining at likha ay hindi lamang naging aliwan ng ating mga kababayan, bagkus naging salamin ng kasaysayan ng bansa, ng bawat Pilipino,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Their art and creations have not only provided entertainment for our fellow countrymen, but have also served as a mirror of our nation's history, of every Filipino]
Romero, dubbed the Queen of Philippine Cinema, was remembered for a career that spanned an entire era. She won seven FAMAS Awards, three Gawad Urian Awards, and four Luna Awards. Among her most impactful films are Dalagang Ilocana, Palibhasa Lalake, and Tanging Yaman. Romero passed away on January 25, 2025.
Forés, meanwhile, “reimagined Italian cuisine by giving it a Filipino heart.” She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016. Forés passed away on February 11, 2025.
Corrales, known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, captivated audiences across continents with her music. She won Best Performer at the Tokyo Music Festival and received both a FAMAS and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Corrales passed away on April 12, 2025.
Aunor, the “Superstar,” was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame and declared a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Her body of work which included acclaimed films Himala and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, has embodied the Filipino spirit. Aunor passed away on April 16, 2025.
“These women have not only gained acclaim in their individual fields, but they have also become cultural icons whose achievements continue to inspire generations of Filipinos,” Marcos said.
The Presidential Medal of Merit was last awarded in 2021 to several pandemic frontliners.
This is the first time under the Marcos administration that the honor has been given to cultural personalities.
