The hosts of It’s Showtime recently opened up about a bigger problem they believe needs urgent attention: the state of education in the Philippines. Their discussion came after a contestant on the show admitted she didn’t know what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was.
Shock turned into reflection
On the February 28 episode, contestant Heart Aquino was asked to give a message to the Comelec during the “Sexy Babe” segment. Her honest reply — that she didn’t know what the agency was — surprised the hosts. By the March 3 episode, the moment had clearly stayed with them.
Vice Ganda led the conversation with a serious tone, saying:
“Dalawang bagay ang na-realize ko — napakarami talagang magagandang nilalang sa Pilipinas. ‘Yung pangalawa, may systemic and educational problem sa Pilipinas. May educational crisis sa Pilipinas na dapat natin i-address.”
Jugs Jugueta agreed, emphasizing the need for balance:
“I think we have to find the right balance, parang maganda at matalino.”
Asking the Right Questions
Vice Ganda then posed a few questions for viewers to think about:
“Saan kaya nagsisimula ‘yung educational crisis sa Pilipinas? Sino ang naaapektuhan nito? Ano ang dapat nating gawin, at paano kaya dapat natin ito harapin? Ito ba ay dapat pagtawanan lang natin? Ito ba ay dapat pagchikahan lang natin sa Twitter nang one day then tapos na?”
Karylle added that the contestant’s answer revealed more than just a lack of knowledge — it also gave a glimpse into the current state of awareness among young people.
“‘Yung malaman mo ‘yung totoong temperatura ng mga kabataan ngayon, na hindi pala alam ng karamihan yung Comelec, ang sakit. Hindi ko alam kung anong gulat ‘yung naramdaman ko.”
Education Is Everyone’s Concern
Vice Ganda reminded the audience that the youth make up a large part of the voting population — and if they aren’t informed, that could have a serious impact. Ogie Alcasid stressed that voters of all ages, including parents, should understand their responsibilities.
Amy Perez added:
“May mga bagay kagaya no’n na napakahalaga na dapat may pakialam tayo.”
Vice Ganda echoed her point and said the government should step in to help share important information:
“Even Comelec, dapat ma-alarm din ang Comelec na baka kailangan meron din silang gawin na pagdi-disseminate ng impormasyon — the government in general.”
He went on to say:
“Kaya siya tinawag na systemic kasi hindi lang isa, kundi marami ang may kinalaman. Lahat tayo bahagi ng krisis na ito.”
Small Steps Forward
The hosts wrapped up the discussion by agreeing on one thing: there’s a real need for more educational efforts, even on entertainment platforms like their show. They even held an impromptu quiz bee with the studio audience focused on Philippine history — a small but meaningful step in the right direction.
