Vice Ganda Inspires Working Student, Highlights the Shortage of Psychologists in the Philippines
VICE GANDA – The usually playful It’s Showtime host turned serious for a moment, urging the youth to pursue psychology and help address the growing mental health crisis in the country.
Vice Ganda once again moved the audience as he delivered an inspiring message about mental health and the value of pursuing psychology as a career during a recent episode of It’s Showtime. The touching exchange took place in the show’s October 11 episode, under the segment “Laro Laro Pick,” where the Phenomenal Box-Office Star interacted with a contestant who is a hardworking student.
The contestant, Phery, a 21-year-old Psychology major in her fourth year at STI Lipa, shared that she works as a service crew member in a fast-food restaurant to help fund her education. She revealed that her true dream is to become a lawyer or flight attendant, but chose to take Psychology as a backup plan. “Gusto ko po talaga maging lawyer po, so puwede po ‘yung BA Psych. Then gusto ko rin po maging flight attendant… hindi ko na po tinake ‘yung Tourism,” she explained.
Vice Ganda responded with heartfelt advice that immediately resonated with both the studio audience and online viewers. “Maganda rin kung ididiretso mo ‘yung pagiging psychologist mo,” said Vice. “Kasi kailangan natin ng mas maraming psychologist, ‘di ba?” he added.
The comedian further elaborated on the lack of mental health professionals in the Philippines, stressing that many Filipinos are affected by mental health challenges, especially during the pandemic. He remarked, “Sa bansa na lang natin hindi na tayo lalabas, lahat ng Pilipino ay may mental health.”
Vice also pointed out that, although there are plenty of doctors in the country, there remains a shortage of specialists focusing on mental well-being. “Ang daming surgeons, ang daming iba’t ibang uri ng doktor. Pero ang mga psychologist at psychiatrist sa Pilipinas, kokonti lang,” he explained.
Vice Ganda went on to recall how mental health professionals struggled during the height of the pandemic due to the overwhelming demand for help. “Kaya nu’ng pandemic, ‘di ba, mangarag-ngarag ‘yung mga psychologist at psychiatrist sa dami ng nangangailangan ng tulong, hindi lahat napagbigyan,” he added.
The episode quickly gained attention online, with many netizens commending Vice Ganda for using his platform not only to bring laughter but also to motivate young people and promote awareness about the importance of mental health and empathy.
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