Priest in Eastern Samar serves ‘lugaw’ during Last Supper re-enactment

Fr. Christian Ofilan of Homonhon Island in Guiuan town, Eastern Samar serves “lugaw” (rice porridge) during the re-enactment of Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Fr. Christian Ofilan)

BORONGAN CITY –– The parish priest of Homonhon Island in Guiuan town, Eastern Samar served “lugaw” (rice porridge) during the re-enactment of Last Supper on Maundy Thursday.

“This is to show solidarity with the poor and the sick whose daily survival and sustenance literally depend sometimes on “lugaw,” said Fr. Christian Ofilan.

A recent video shows village officials preventing a food delivery rider from delivering lugaw to a customer for violating the curfew in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

They said lugaw was an essential good.

But Ofilan thought otherwise.

“We should never underestimate the power of lugaw that is served with love,” Ofilian said.

The priest also said there is nothing to be ashamed of in lugaw, hinting that looking down on it is also discriminating against the poor.

“Discrimination against lugaw, especially during these difficult times, is truly anti-poor,” he said.

On March 19. Ofilian appealed to government officials to help stop mining operations on Homonhon Island.

LZB