Manila, April 23 -- 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, Malacanang confirmed Wednesday.

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 Malacanang.

The Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals who hav...