Sometimes, the biggest changes and the most urgent calls for action come not from the halls of Congress, but from the television stage . This is what happened when Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda, on a live episode of It’s Showtime , changed his tune from his usual energetic and boisterous tone, to an emotional and impassioned statement. His disclosure about his personal assistance to a dilapidated and decaying school in a province headed by the husband of actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista, not only touched the hearts of millions of viewers, but also sparked a fierce online controversy and once again exposed the education crisis that the country has been facing for a long time.

Vice Ganda’s story has touched many hearts and minds. According to the comedian , this experience was one of the most memorable in his life, something he never expected to see in this day and age. He revealed with great compassion:

“I went to a place in Heart Evangelista’s province… It was a school with no reading materials , almost no equipment, and the classrooms were really dilapidated. I had the school rebuilt. I sent help there because the children were really pitiful. I cried so much when I saw that school,” was his emotional story.

Her reference to “Heart Evangelista’s province” was in reference to Sorsogon, the province headed by her husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The details of the school—the lack of books, the dilapidated structure that was almost collapsing, and the deplorable condition of the classrooms—presented a stark contrast to the image of the modern Philippines that we often see in Manila. Her statement was not just a simple sharing of charity work , but a strong call-out to the system and those in power.

The Call and the Buzz of Controversy

Vice Ganda’s message didn’t end there. His anger, sadness, and desire for change were evident when he called on the government. He said: “I can’t accept that the situation of children is still like this. I hope the government will pay attention to this. I hope schools will be fixed to help parents who are struggling just to get their children to graduate.”

Because of his statement, the issue quickly spread across various social media platforms . While Vice Ganda garnered admiration and praise for his concern, it was also inevitable that the issue would reach politics. Some netizens immediately implicated Heart Evangelista and especially her husband, Senator Chiz Escudero.

Online comments expressed strong opinions, suggesting that the Senator should pay more attention to the state of public schools in his own province. The most vocal was the accusation of corruption , which, although unfounded and quickly spread in the online sphere , gave a political color to Vice Ganda’s charitable act . The sharp criticism reflected the public’s deep frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

However, many of Heart Evangelista’s supporters immediately defended her. They insisted that the actress should not be involved in this issue, as she is known as a generous person and actively helps in various projects for education, livelihood, and youth. This point showed a nuance in the conversation, where Vice Ganda’s intention was not to criticize, but to enlighten, which should be emphasized rather than the political spin given to it.

The Protracted Education Crisis and the Slow Response

Vice Ganda’s disclosure served as a catalyst to once again intensify the call to the government regarding the education crisis that the country has been facing for a long time. The school situation he described is not an isolated case . It is a reflection of a larger problem that is rooted in rural and remote provinces.

Netizens and parents highlighted the many schools in dire conditions: students having to walk miles every day; schools without electricity and running water; and children studying under leaky roofs. These accounts reinforced Vice Ganda’s narrative —that influencers and celebrities should not be the primary source of funding and change, but the government.

Public frustration grew even more when data on the progress of education projects was released. During a Senate hearing on the agency’s proposed budget, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon reported that as of October 2025, only 22 classrooms had been completed under their projects. This very slow progress amidst dire needs confirms the urgency of Vice Ganda’s call and provides a legitimate basis for public frustration and disappointment .

Vice Ganda’s Only Mission: Be an Instrument of Change

Despite the political side-comments and accusations, Vice Ganda’s message remained clear. For him, what he did was not to criticize, but to make those in power see the true condition of public schools.

Many education experts and civic groups have also acknowledged the importance of the platform Vice Ganda has used. In a society full of noise, it takes a voice that is loud and heard by all to expose such issues. The hashtags that have spread, such as #ViceGandaForEducation and #AyusinAngMgaPaaralan , are proof that he has succeeded in mobilizing the public.

In the end, the Unkabogable Star remained positive. He thanked his supporters and said he would continue to help as much as he could. His conclusion served as a challenge to every Filipino:

“If you can help someone, do it. You don’t have to be rich or famous to help. You just have to have a heart,” the comedian’s meaningful statement said.

Heart Evangelista remained silent on this issue, true to her character who prefers to help through deeds rather than getting involved in intrigues . Her track record of donating art kits , school supplies , and other equipment to underprivileged students served as her defense, indicating that helping is not exclusive to one side.

This incident is a watershed moment that gave a voice to young people studying in the midst of poverty and danger. It is a wake-up call that everyone—government, celebrities , and ordinary citizens—must work together to ensure that no child is left behind and no school is neglected, because education is the foundation of a nation’s dreams and hopes. Vice Ganda’s story is not just about a school, but about the future of the Philippines.