PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined the country in mourning the passing of National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, or Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, calling the cinema icon “a gift to the Filipino nation.”

“Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer,” Marcos said in a statement.

Aunor, 71, died Wednesday night, according to her son, actor Kristoffer Ian De Leon.

The President acknowledged Aunor’s scintillating career that saw her starring in highly acclaimed movies and garnering various acting awards both here and abroad.

“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,” Marcos said.

“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,” he went on.

The Chief Executive urged the public to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of the country’s National Artist.

Known as the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, Aunor starred in 170 films and was a recipient of various awards and citations from local and international organizations.

She was elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Lifetime Achievement Award the following year.

In 2022, she was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts under Proclamation 1390 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.