Br. Iñigo Riola FSC, DLSU-D President and Auxiliary Visitor of the Lasallian East Asia District, led the homily during the Trillion Peso March Mass held at La Salle Green Hills on September 21, 2025.
As part of the Parmenie Program—a period of immersion and service to the vulnerable that takes place before a brother’s final vows—Br. Riola spent a month working as a taxi driver in Cebu. He shared the struggles of daily wage earners, recalling a fellow driver who, despite working seven days a week to support his family, could no longer attend Sunday Mass.
“I hope the Lord will understand,” the driver said—a quiet prayer that, Br. Riola emphasized, reflects the cry of the poor.
Reflecting on the Sunday readings, Br. Riola urged prayers for leaders who uphold good governance and ensure conditions where families can live with dignity, rest, and worship together.
He reminded: “Wealth is temporary. It will fail. Hindi natin madadala ang mamahaling sasakyan o magandang payong sa langit.”
Addressing the recent flood control scandal, Br. Riola called corruption a betrayal of stewardship that harms the most vulnerable.
“We are wearing white today not just as a sign of protest, but as an invitation to live in the light and share the light,” he said.
He ended with a message of hope, reminding the faithful that even in difficult times, faith and collective action can lead to transformation: “Flowers grow out of darkness.”
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