Marcos mourns passing of Nora Aunor, cites contribution to PH film industry

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mourned Thursday the passing of National Artist Nora Aunor.

“I join the nation in mourning the passing of our National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life). Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer,” Marcos said in a statement.

The President also acknowledged Nora’s contribution to the national heritage through her films.

“At the young age of 23, she began producing films that will forever be part of the national heritage: Banaue, Bona, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. Her other stellar performances can be found in Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story. She has won national and international awards for her performances. Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation,” Marcos said.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nora Aunor’s family, friends, and the film industry itself. Let us pray together for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved National Artist,” he ended.

Nora’s family announced on Wednesday the death of the superstar. She was 71.

Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said state necrological services and funeral details will be held for Aunor.

In a statement released through its Facebook page, the NCCA said details of the services and the funeral are to be announced, as it cited Aunor’s filmography of over 170 films, which is “exceeded only by the number of awards and citations” she received from local and international organizations. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News