Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to four iconic Filipino women who he said shaped the country’s soul through art, music, film, and food, as he posthumously conferred them the Presidential Medal of Merit for their lasting contributions to Philippine culture.
According to Philippines News Agency, the solemn ceremony at Malaca±an Palace saw Marcos honor National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Aunor, music legend Pilita Corrales, film icon Gloria Romero, and internationally acclaimed chef Margarita Fores. Marcos referred to them as ‘undeniably icons’ who gave voice and identity to the Filipino spirit.
In his address, Marcos expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, ‘To Gloria, to Margarita, to Pilita, to Nora-it seems very little but the best we can do, maraming, maraming salamat po (Thank you very, very much).’ He highlighted that these women continue to live on in every artist, child, and citizen who aspires to express Filipino identity to the world.
Marcos emphasized that the legacy of the awardees lies not only in their accolades but in their profound impact on shaping the country’s collective identity. He stated, ‘They are undeniably icons. But more importantly, we can see that the true quality of their art, of their performances came from the core of them being Filipinos.’
The ceremony followed closely on the heels of Aunor’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22, a date declared by the President as a National Day of Mourning. Aunor, celebrated for her contributions to music and cinema, was remembered for her powerful portrayals of the Filipino experience.
Corrales, known as ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs,’ made her mark with over 135 albums in multiple languages before her passing on April 12 at age 87. Romero, hailed as the ‘Queen of Philippine Cinema,’ was remembered for her extensive acting career spanning seven decades. She passed away on January 25. Fores, an influential figure in modern Filipino cuisine and Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, died on February 11 after earning global recognition for elevating Filipino food on the world stage.
Marcos acknowledged the significant contributions of these women, stating, ‘This accolade is conferred upon them because they have made our national consciousness more visible and to be felt worldwide.’
The Presidential Medal of Merit, established through Executive Order No. 236 in 2003, is one of the highest civilian honors granted to individuals whose work significantly contributes to national development and cultural identity. Marcos also expressed gratitude to the families of the awardees for sharing their legacies with the nation.
In his concluding remarks, Marcos reminded Filipinos that art and culture are not merely echoes of the past but vital elements of the national identity that continue to inspire future generations.
