During a recent episode of the popular noontime variety show ‘It’s Showtime,’ comedian and television host Vice Ganda didn’t hold back in criticizing the government’s policies regarding rice importation, especially given the country’s agricultural background.
The pointed remarks came during the segment ‘EXpecially For You’ when a contestant from Nueva Ecija, renowned as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” proudly highlighted their agricultural heritage.
Vice Ganda chimed in, emphasizing, “The Philippines is an agricultural country,” a sentiment echoed by his co-host Jhong.
However, Vice Ganda took the opportunity to deliver a stinging criticism, pointing out, “Agricultural country pero number one importer ng rice.”
He went on to highlight the contradiction, stating, “‘Di ba Pilipinas lang yon. Agricultural country pero nag-iimport ng rice, the irony.”
Recent data supports Vice Ganda’s observation, with reports indicating that the Philippines maintains its position as the top importer of rice, as confirmed by the USDA’s Economic Research Service in 2024.