MANILA — Bulusan Mayor Wennie Raffles-Romano issued a statement clarifying Vice Ganda’s remarks on It’s Showtime about a school in Bulusan, Sorsogon, following social media discussions that linked the comedian’s comment to actress Heart Evangelista.

In an official statement, Romano said Vice Ganda’s donation to Bagacay Elementary School was properly acknowledged and that the actress had nothing to do with the issue.

“Nais ko pong bigyang-diin na wala pong kinalaman si Ms. Heart Evangelista-Escudero sa isyung ito,” Romano said.

Vice Ganda visited Bagacay Elementary School on September 26, 2023, and pledged donations for the school. The first donation of ₱50,000 was sent in December 2023, followed by additional donations in January 2024 totaling ₱67,360. The funds were used to repair classroom windows and walls, tile a comfort room, and pay internet bills for three months.

Romano expressed gratitude for the donations but said Vice Ganda’s recent description of the school as “bulok” (dilapidated) and lacking reading materials “disregarded the efforts” of teachers, parents, and the local government.

“Nabalewala ang lahat ng pagsusumikap ng mga guro at pamunuan, mga magulang at mag-aaral, lokal na leaders at ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon at iba pang stakeholders,” she said.

The mayor also clarified that the Department of Education (DepEd) had already provided reading materials and launched a supplementary reading program in May 2023.

She assured the public that the local government continues to coordinate with DepEd and other stakeholders to address the educational needs of students in Bulusan.

Romano concluded that her office’s statement was not intended as propaganda but to clarify facts and uphold the dignity of the community.