THE LOCAL government of Bulusan in Sorsogon has refuted the claim of Vice Ganda that the Bagacay Elementary School was decaying, at the same time, clearing Heart Evangelista from insinuations that she had something to do with the school’s state of disrepair.
In a statement issued by Mayor Wennie Raffalo-Romano, the municipal government belied Vice Ganda’s remarks made during the Oct. 24 episode of “It’s Showtime” wherein he described the condition of the school in “Heart Evangelista’s province” as “bulok” (decaying), and lacking in materials for schoolchildren.
Evangelista is the wife of Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who counts Sorsogon as his political stronghold, having represented the province as congressman in the past.
“Nais ko pong bigyang-diin na wala pong kinalaman si Ms. Heart Evangelista-Escudero sa isyung ito,” the statement read.
The mayor clarified that contrary to Vice Ganda’s claim, Bagacay Elementary School has sufficient reading materials provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) through its Project Target reading program launched on May 11, 2023.
According to the local government unit (LGU), Vice Ganda pledged to help the school during a visit on September 26, 2023, followed by donations totaling ₱67,360, which funded the repair of classroom walls and windows, the tiling of a comfort room, and internet installation with three months of paid service.
While the LGU expressed gratitude for Vice Ganda’s generosity, they emphasized that his on-air comments may have unintentionally “brought shame to the school” and discredited the efforts of teachers, parents, and education officials.
“Nabalewala ang lahat ng pagsusumikap ng mga guro at pamunuan, mga magulang at mag-aaral, lokal na lider, at ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon para mabigyan ng kaaya-ayang paaralan ang mga kabataan na angkop sa kakayahan ng komunidad,” the LGU said.
The mayor added that the local government, DepEd Sorsogon, and the provincial government remain committed to ensuring proper support for the municipality’s schools without “propaganda” or misrepresentation.
Vice Ganda’s remarks earlier sparked a furious rebuttal from Evangelista’s longtime personal assistant Resty Rosell, who accused Vice Ganda of grabbing all the credit as reading materials have already been provided to the said school.
Escudero and Evangelista have recently been getting the heat due to corruption allegations being hurled at the senator in connection with the DPWH flood control funds, while their lifestyles are being publicly scrutinized. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
