Marcos Jr. honors 4 iconic women posthumously with Presidential Medal of Merit

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will posthumously confer the Presidential Medal of Merit on four iconic Filipino women—Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero, and Margarita Fores—for their contributions to cultural and artistic heritage.

The award ceremony, scheduled for May 4 at Malacañang's Rizal Ceremonial Hall, will honor Nora Aunor who passed away on April 16; Pilita Corrales who died on April 12; Gloria Romero who died in January 2025; and Margarita Fores who passed away on February 11.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the report that the four women will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Philippines' cultural and artistic heritage, adding that the Presidential Merit Award is one of the highest honors awarded by the president to individuals to recognize their contributions to nation-building.

Gloria Romero, dubbed the Queen of Philippine Cinema, was regarded as a matriarch with a long-standing career since the 1950s; Pilita Corrales, Asia's Queen of Songs, received numerous awards for her contributions to music; and Margarita Fores promoted Filipino cuisine globally.

President Marcos expressed his sorrow at their passing, describing each woman as brilliant artists who enriched Philippine culture.