10 Filipino Celebrities Who Have Received the Presidential Medal of Merit
The Presidential Medal of Merit is considered one of the highest honors in the Philippines. It is bestowed for outstanding service to the President, the administration, or cabinet members in the fields of literature, the sciences, the arts, entertainment, and more. From internationally acclaimed artists to record-breaking athletes, here are the Filipino celebrities who have received the Presidential Medal of Merit.
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Flash Elorde
The Filipino professional boxer was the first Filipino athlete to receive the honor in 1984.
Paeng Nepomuceno
In addition to being conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit by Ferdinand Marcos, Nepomuceno has also received the Philippine Legion of Honor and Order of Lakandula with Class of Champion for Life as a world bowling champion.
Lea Salonga
President Corazon Aquino presented Lea Salonga with a Presidential Medal of Merit for services to the arts.
Manny Pacquiao
In 2003, Manny Pacquiao received the Presidential Medal of Merit.
Apl.de.Ap
Apl.de.Ap received the Presidential Medal of Merit from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2006. He did so along with fellow Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am.
Monique Lhuillier
The fashion designer became part of the list of receipts of the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2006.
Manuel Conde
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo posthumously gave Manuel Conde Presidential Medal of Merit for services in film.
Francis Magalona
After his passing in 2009, Francis Magalona was awarded a Presidential Medal of Merit for "his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us."
Jaime Augusto Zóbel de Ayala
Jaime Augusto Zóbel de Ayala was conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2009.
Hidilyn Diaz
The Olympic gold medalist was given the honor by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021.
