Waiting is an Excitement

RS' entry before Davao del Sur where Davao City belongs

"I bade farewell from my family members in Zamboanga City just to render service here where I would be officially detailed, Sir Fhadz." Asec Fhadz answered, "Let's wait until your detailed order is released." "I will proceed to Davao City for the personal transaction, Sir." "Alright, take care" Sir Fhadz replied. Permission was also asked from Ph.D. Hji. Irilis for my absence in the opening until the closing program of BARMMAA 2020. It was the first time for RS 150 to roll down Cotabato City-Davao City National Highway on January 16, 2020. Departure was about 9:00 am and arrival was almost 4:00 pm. Rest was only three times including taking lunch and two-time refueling. Checking in at Sampaguita Inn was almost late maghrib time after visiting some barangays outside city proper. Change of residence happened on February 1, 2020. It was in Block-35, Lot-6, Mango Street, NHA Subdivision, Bangkal, Talomo Proper, Davao City. The boarding house was 2-storey and good enough for a family. Boarding would be accepted once cash advance and 2-month deposit could be handed to the owner. The payment rate per month was P 4, 000.00. Verification for the possible appearance before the office of MBHTE (Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education) Minister was made after a 1-week stay in Davao City. Asec for Special Programs and Projects reported that the Minister was still on official travel. He disagreed with my decision to stay in Cotabato City before my official order. Thus, I chatted with him that I would look for a cheap boarding house for my long accommodation in Davao City. Trading Boulevard was the site of 1-month waiting for the call up from the MBHTE Asec for SPP.

The less monthly payment was granted because I shouldered the repair of the main door and restroom door, flooring, and drainage of the comfort room. Other damages were not detected until heavy rainfalls poured down the housing after a month's stay. The owner of the house-made me responsible for the repair of the roof and ceiling; that was why; she gave me less monthly payment. I reminded her the agreement for repair was only the above-mentioned damages, but she denied it. This made me find another affordable house for rent in Muslim Village near NHA, too. Alhamdulillah, she returned my 2-month cash deposit. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have traveled as far as Toril District, Calinan District, Tugbok District, Baguio District, Talomo District, Bunawan District, Buhangin District, Agdao District, and Poblacion District of Davao City. Only a few barangays of the city were not visited by my RS 150. When lockdown took place, RS also complied with the protocol. She had only one ride every month claiming allowance through Palawan Express and Pawnshop sent by the Better-half. However, she would be on for some minutes every morning. On February 1, 2021, I chatted Asec Fhadz asking how the situation of Cotabato City was amidst a pandemic. "Much better if you're here" suggested Asec. "What documents should I secure for my possible entry to Cotabato City, Sir?" I asked "Only basic like medical certificate and government ID" Asec replied. Three days after, documents were completed, alhamdulillah. I informed Asec that I would be leaving for ORC by Friday.