Vice Ganda Earns Praise After Calling Out Low Salaries of Filipino Teachers
VICE GANDA – Known for mixing humor with honesty, Vice Ganda turned emotional on It’s Showtime as he urged the government to prioritize teachers’ welfare through better compensation and recognition.
Comedian and television host Vice Ganda delivered a passionate message urging the government to raise the salaries of teachers in the Philippines, underscoring that their commitment and hard work merit fair and decent compensation.
During the October 4 episode of It’s Showtime, where teachers were featured as contestants in honor of World Teachers’ Day, Vice took the chance to address the real-life challenges faced by educators. He reminded everyone not to “romanticize” their sacrifices and emphasized that teachers deserve to be properly compensated for their service.
One kindergarten teacher who participated in the show shared that it is deeply rewarding to act as a “second parent” to students and to earn their respect and appreciation. However, Vice pointed out that while this sentiment is admirable, it should not divert attention from the bigger issue — the insufficient pay teachers continue to receive.
“Pero, kailangan kayong ituring nang mas disente, bigyan ng mas disenteng kompensasyon o sahod, kasi baka kung lagi nating sinasabi… ‘Puwede na ’to,’ hindi nabibigyang importansya o inaabuso. Naaabuso ang resilience ng mga Pilipino,” Vice explained. He added, “Kailangang swelduhan ng mataas ang mga teacher. Kaya po mababa ang suweldo n’yo kasi ninakawan kayo.”
Vice also expressed admiration for teachers who remain devoted to their profession despite the difficulties they face, including low wages and limited government support. He stressed that this strength should not be mistaken for complacency. “Hindi ito dapat i-romanticize. Hindi sapat ang salitang ‘pasasalamat’ kung hindi naman nasusuklian ng sapat na sahod,” he said.
The comedian’s remarks quickly resonated online, gaining widespread approval from viewers and educators. Many agreed that his message echoed the long-standing call of Filipino teachers for a salary increase, particularly in the public sector, where many continue to struggle financially.
Coincidentally, on October 3, various teacher organizations staged protest actions to renew their appeal for higher wages. Carrying signs that read “decent wages and respect,” they urged the government to provide real solutions rather than mere appreciation.
Vice Ganda’s statement served as both a tribute and a wake-up call — a reminder that while teachers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future, they too deserve dignity, respect, and compensation that reflects their true worth.
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