Francis Magalona receives a presidential merit.

Story from our breaking news:

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit to the late music icon Francis Magalona on Wednesday.

Magalona’s widow, Pia, and their eight children attended the awarding ceremonies at the Malacanang reception hall.

Magalona, who pioneered rap music in the country and used the genre to promote nationalism, died of complications due to leukemia last March 6. He was 44.