President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo confers a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit on the late King of Philippine Rap Francis Magalona. (LUISITO IGLESIAS/OPS-NIB Photo)
MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has posthumously conferred today, March 18, 2009 the Presidential Merit of Medal on Francis Magalona who died last March 6, 2009 because of leukemia.
A simple ceremony was held at the Malacañang’s Reception Hall this morning and was attended by Magalona’s widow, Pia, his eight children and colleagues Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, TAPE, Inc. Executive Tony Tuviera, and Malou Choa-Fagar.
The award was given to recognize the Master Rapper’s contribution to the music industry as well as his efforts to promote nationalism through his music and songs. The President said that there are plans on giving a tribute to the late Master Rapper’s during the Philippine Independence Day celebrations.
A video presentation in honor of the late Francis Magalona was also shown after.
In an interview with “Eat Bulaga!” Pia Magalona said that she and the family are very proud of the honor given to his husband.
“Deserving naman si Kiko. At, sa mga nagawa niya at sa mga iiwanan niyang legacy, e, dapat lang gawaran ng Presidential Medal of Merit,” said “Eat Bulaga!” co-host Vic Sotto.
On the other hand, Francis M’s daughter Maxene expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the President for the award given to his late father.
“Alam naman niya kung anong nangyayari ngayon, pinaparangalan siya ng President of the Philippines. And, I’m sure sobra siyang natutuwa as he is looking down on us,” Maxene Magalona said in an interview.
Francis Magalona was diagnosed with leukemia August of last year and eventually succumbed to it last March 6, 2009.
