Comedian and television host Vice Ganda once again used her platform to spread awareness and compassion—this time, highlighting the country’s need for more mental health professionals.
During the October 11 episode of ‘It’s Showtime’s’ Laro Laro Pick segment, Vice engaged with Phery, a 21-year-old working student taking up Psychology at STI Lipa while working as a service crew member in a fast-food chain.
When asked about her dreams, Phery said she originally wanted to become a lawyer or flight attendant but chose Psychology as her college course to keep her options open.
“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. Nag-Psychology na lang po ako para in case po may iba pa pong opportunity para sa akin,” she explained.
Vice then gave an encouraging message that drew applause from the studio audience and praise online.
“Maganda rin kung ididiretso mo ‘yung pagiging psychologist mo. Di ba kasi kailangan natin ng mas maraming psychologist?” she told Phery.
The Unkabogable Star went on to deliver an impassioned reflection on the importance of mental health and the lack of professionals addressing it in the Philippines.
“Sa bansa na lang natin, hindi na tayo lalabas, lahat ng Pilipino ay may mental health. Pero iilan lang ang professional na maaaring tumulong sa atin sa mga pangangailangan natin sa ating mental health, iilan lang ‘di ba?” Vice said.
“Ang daming surgeons, ang daming iba’t ibang uri ng doktor. Pero ang mga psychologist at psychiatrist sa Pilipinas, kokonti lang,” she added.
Vice also recalled how mental health professionals were stretched to their limits during the pandemic due to the overwhelming number of Filipinos seeking help.
“Kaya ‘nung pandemic, ‘di ba, mangarag-ngarag ‘yung mga psychologist at psychiatrist sa dami ng nangangailangan ng tulong, hindi lahat napagbigyan,” Vice pointed out.
The heartwarming exchange quickly went viral, with netizens commending Vice for using humor and empathy to raise awareness about mental health. Many praised the Phenomenal Box-Office Star for empowering students like Phery to pursue meaningful careers that help others.
