“Lugaw is food, therefore, lugaw is essential,” is the statement of Grab Philippines as it reacts to a viral video where a certain food delivery rider was barred entry by a barangay official to deliver ‘lugaw’ to Bulacan in the height of enhanced community quarantine.
In an article by Inquirer.net, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also made a statement regarding the controversial video. According to Roque, lugaw is an essential good.
“Lugaw, or any food item for that matter, is considered an essential good. Delivery of food items must remain unhampered 24/7. Huwag natin harangin sa checkpoints,” states Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. Statement sourced from an article by Inquirer.net.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also made a statement (via Inquirer.net).
“Very clear in ECQ guidelines workers, APORs (authorized persons outside of residences) and deliveries,” he says, adding that ‘food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants, and eateries are still allowed to operate but only limited to takeout and delivery’ under the quarantine guidelines issued by the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Lugaw, also spelled lugao, is a Filipino glutinous rice gruel or porridge and is regarded as a comfort food in the country. Savory lugaw was influenced by Chinese-style Congee, introduced by Chinese-Filipino migrants. Popular savory lugaw includes arroz caldo and goto. Sweet lugaw, meanwhile, include binignit, champorado, ginataang mais, and ginataang mungoo.
