Vice Ganda Questions Why Some Honor Students Struggle Beyond the Classroom
VICE GANDA – A candid remark from Vice Ganda has sparked attention after he questioned whether academic honors always reflect genuine knowledge.
Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda recently shared his observations about some honor students and graduates, emphasizing that academic achievements should go hand in hand with genuine learning and understanding.
During a recent episode of “It’s Showtime,” a “Ms. Q & A” contestant opened up about having to stop her studies because of financial difficulties. She explained that she had no choice but to prioritize work over education because she could not manage both at the same time. Despite this, she expressed her intention to return to school and finish her studies.
“Kaya gusto ko rin pong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral kasi ayaw ko pong sinisino-sino lang po ako. Kasi ‘pag di ka po nakapag-aral mamaliitin ka ng ibang tao,” said the contestant.
She also shared that her friends inspired her to pursue higher education, saying, “Also na-inspire po ako sa circle ko. Lahat po sila degree holder. Lahat po sila transwoman.”
Vice Ganda, however, pointed out that the motivation to study should not solely come from the desire to gain recognition or avoid being looked down upon by others. For him, education should primarily be about acquiring knowledge and developing critical thinking.
“Kasi puwede kang makapag-aral tapos gusto mong makatapos. May diploma ka. Hindi ka nila sisinuhin, pero wala ka talagang natutunan,” explanation from the Unkabogable Star.
He further stressed his concern about graduates who may possess academic credentials but lack sufficient knowledge and understanding.
“Aminin n’yo ang daming graduates ngayon na parang walang alam,” Vice continued. “Ang daming honor students pero parang aanga-anga kapag kinausap mo.”
His remarks come amid continuing concerns over the quality of education in the Philippines. According to data cited from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2025, 18 million senior and junior high school students who graduated in 2024 were reported to have difficulty reading and understanding texts.
Meanwhile, Filipino students also ranked among the lowest performers in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Vice Ganda’s comments have since highlighted a broader issue: academic success should not simply be measured through diplomas, awards, or honors, but also through the actual knowledge and skills students gain from their education.
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