QUEZON CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Just hours after President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao following the terrorist siege of Marawi City, Vice President Leni Robredo activated her office’s relief operations. And what better way to do it than with something she is most expert in: lugaw.

Calling it “Operation Lugaw,” Robredo is appealing to Filipino citizens both here and abroad to make a donation to help the victims cope with the dire situation in Marawi and wherever some have chosen to evacuate to.

The goal of “Operation Lugaw” is to purchase 10 metric tons (10,000 kilos) of well-milled rice so that volunteers of the Office of the Vice President can cook lugaw (congee) for residents who have fled or are holed up in their homes because of the clashes between government troops and the terrorists.

“Because they are unable to leave their homes to go to the market, or cook their meals because of the lack of electricity, the Marawi folks rely on cooked food to nourish their families,” Robredo said. “Our volunteers are ready to cook lugaw.”

Robredo also asked the National Food Authority (NFA) to loan the OVP with enough rice supply for the congee while donations are still coming in.

It wasn’t clear whether Robredo made the appeal from her Quezon City office or if she is on the ground in Marawi overseeing the relief operations.