The local government of Bulusan, Sorsogon has issued an official statement following Vice Ganda’s viral claim on It’s Showtime regarding his assistance to a school in the hometown of Heart Evangelista.
In a press release signed by Bulusan Mayor Wenne Raymundo-Romano, the LGU clarified that Heart Evangelista “has nothing to do with the issue,” after her name surfaced in online discussions.
“Nais ko pong bigyang-diin na wala pong kinalaman si Ms. Heart Evangelista-Escudero sa isyung ito,” the mayor stated, directly addressing the link between Evangelista and the topic.
Vice Ganda earlier spoke about visiting Bagacay Elementary School and helping provide support after seeing its condition. The comedian told viewers, “Pinagawa ko ‘yong eskwelahan… Bulok ‘yong paaralan… I cried so much when I saw that school.”
His remarks prompted reactions online and drew comments from Evangelista’s personal assistant, who clarified that Vice contributed to an already ongoing Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) project rather than building the school entirely.
LGU thanks Vice but flags phrasing that caused “kahihiyan”
The Bulusan LGU thanked Vice Ganda for his support to Bagacay Elementary School but also expressed concern over how the donation was framed publicly.
“Nagpapasalamat ang LGU Bulusan sa ipinakitang malasakit ni Vice Ganda,” the statement said.
However, it added that the wording used — describing the school as “bulok” and lacking reading materials — affected the community.
“…ngunit ang paraan ng pagsamadla ng kanyang donasyon at may komentong ‘bulok na paaralan at walang reading materials’ ay nagdulot ng kahihiyan sa Bagacay Elementary School,” the LGU emphasized.
According to the local government, Vice Ganda pledged P500,000 during a September 2023 school visit, with further donations made in December 2023 and January 2024. Records attached to the statement detailed that the total contribution reached ₱767,360.40, used for classroom tiles, paint, and internet support.
The LGU further clarified that the classroom was a PTA initiative supported by school funds, and Vice’s involvement supplemented it — not started it.
LGU highlights existing government support and context
The mayor added that contrary to claims the school lacked reading resources, Bagacay Elementary School is part of the DepEd Sorsogon “Project Kero” reading program and already has supplementary reading materials.
The LGU stressed that the public should be informed with correct context rather than “propaganda,” stating:
“Makasasama po ang publiko na mabigyan ng imaheng hindi kanais-nais… kundi purong intensyon na matulungan ang ating mga mag-aaral.”
Awaiting response
As of this writing, there is still no public statement from Vice Ganda or Heart Evangelista regarding the clarification from the Bulusan LGU.
