Vice Ganda has never shied away from speaking her mind, especially on social and political issues. Whether on stage or on television, she consistently uses her platform to raise awareness—and her show “Everybody, Sing!” is definitely no exception.
With the flooded community of Calumpit, Bulacan being the “songbayanan” featured in the pilot episode aired on Saturday, May 2, the “Unkabogable Star” couldn’t help herself from taking a swipe at the incompetence of government officials in resolving the problems or in staying in touch with the needs of their constituents.
It was during her interview with “songbayanan” member Denise, a resident who related the struggle of commuting to her workplace in Angeles City, Pampanga, due to the persistent heavy flooding in their area. Thus, she has been forced to rent an apartment closer to work, just like his other townsfolks have done. Hearing her story truly saddened and upset Vice, as she perceived how it has become a significant obstacle and burden in the daily lives of many residents.
As Denise commented, “Kami na nag-adjust, Meme. Ayaw umalis ng baha, [kaya] kami na lang umalis,” the gregarious and socially and politically aware host responded with a sharp observation: “E kasi naman ayaw n’yo rin atang paalisin ‘yong mga dahilan bakit kayo nagkakabaha. Dapat pinapaalis din ‘yan, di ba?”
Vice’s remark drew applause from other members of the “songbayanan” as she went on to emphasize the importance of addressing root causes rather than repeatedly enduring the same problems.
She continued, “Maaalis ‘yong problema kung aalisin n’yo rin ang mga sanhi at nagpapalaki ng problema n’yo. Hindi ‘yong paulit-ulit n’yong pinababalik ‘yong problema n’yo? ‘Yong baha, parang mga tiwaling opisyal sa gobyerno. Hangga’t hindi n’yo tuluyang pinapaalis, babalik at babalik din sila?”
Vice then imparted, partly in jest, the solution she has in mind if ever she’s the president of the country: to require local government officials of areas severely stricken by calamities to live among their constituents for them to personally experience their plight. She firmly believes that the reason why they lack empathy is because they haven’t experienced it firsthand.
Her conversations with the “songbayanan” also highlighted how deeply flooding affects people, even in times of grief. Another “songbayanan” member, Nilo, recounted the challenges faced by his family in transporting the deceased grandfather of his wife due to floodwaters.
Moved by their stories, Vice wrapped up the interview portion by uttering, “No one deserves this. Everybody deserves a decent life at sa dulo a decent burial. Deserve natin ‘yon.”
For more good vibes, entertainment, and sing-along moments, catch “Everybody, Sing!” every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL)—or catch up anytime on iWant.