By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Tuesday as a “Day of National Mourning” over the passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.
Under the Proclamation No. 870, s. 2025, which was signed by the President on Monday, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset at all government offices in the country as well as abroad.
Describing Nora Aunor’s death as a “great loss” to Filipinos and to the country’s cultural and artistic scene, Marcos honored the Superstar’s “lasting legacy” and contributions to Philippine cinema, television, and music.
“Her artistry, depth, and dedication as a performer elevated the standard of excellence in the fields of arts and culture, and inspired generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences, both [on the] local and international stage,” he said.
“The nation mourns and joins the family and friends of National Artist Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in this moment of grief and remembrance,” the proclamation stated.
The Chief Executive, together with First Lady Liza Marcos, visited the wake of Nora Aunor at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Monday.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) held a state necrological tribute for the late Filipina icon at the Metropolitan Theater on Tuesday morning. She was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure, according to her son Ian de Leon. She was 71.
Named a national artist in 2022, Nora Aunor starred in at least 170 films and received various accolades by local and international organizations. Most notably, she obtained a “grand slam” by winning all the Best Actress awards from Gawad Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and the Philippine Movie Press Club for the film “Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina?”
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