Unexpected Attendance

Asec Fhadz asked me to join him in visiting DG Marjuni Maddi of the Higher ED after Isha Prayer. We reached DG outside of his office talking with someone on his phone. Two calls made DG busy to entertain us. It was so very important discussion relating to his visit to Tawi-Tawi in the forthcoming week. Afterward, the two Asecs discussed matters pertaining to my detail. Asec Fhadz told him about the prepared detailed order on his table ready for Minister's signature. The meeting ended with a move to visit the MBHTE Minister the following day purposely for the signing of the order. We decided to come by 8:00 am. Unfortunately, we arrive late in DG's office. There was a call received by Asec Fhadz. Minister would need his presence in a gathering held at Sharif Kabunsuan Cultural Complex. The program already started as stated by the caller. I heard Asec replied affirmatively. We hurriedly went down the stairs in the morning of February 25, 2021. Sir Sajid delivered us to SKCC with more-than-normal speed just to catch up with the opening program. I followed Asec Fhadz going upstairs and I got the folder from his right hand. He smiled. I told him to give a signal the moment he would need the folder. Inside the folder was Sir Oms' renewal order as a detailed teacher, my order, and Sir Asec Fhadz's travel order to visit his father who was in emergency mode in Jolo, Sulu.  On the third row from the platform, we were seated with a vacant seat between me and Asec. The vacant seat was labeled 'reserved'. My eyes caught the attendance of the Minister in the middle of the first row.

The master of the ceremony had just started the program. All VIPs were seated on the front row, not over the stage. It was about the above-posted photo, "Launching of Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition 2020-2022". There was a PowerPoint presentation on the left corner of the hall. On the screen I watched Chief Minister participating online. In the middle of the ceremony, Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal was called to deliver the message. I remembered him saying that foods should be nutritious and halal. After his message, he managed to use again his chair, but he did not stay longer. He got up and walked along the aisle towards me. His eyes were straight to Asec saying, "Andito ka pala!" He handed his right fist to Asec signifying salam or shaking hand then he turned it to me immediately. Fortunately, my right fist was also energetic to respond to his fist. Then, he turned to a woman on the isle, but I did not hear what they were talking about till he directly went out slowly. Asec Fhadz stood following him and turned to me nodding or calling me to follow. We reached the Minister outside of the main door.  Asec got the folder from my hand and continued to go after Sir Iqbal proceeding to his driver and security in the car. After a short talk, I heard Asec asking if he could sign his travel order in a car. Sir Iqbal nodded and got into a car. He affixed his signature while sitting in a car. Only a page was signed because the Minister was in a hurry for Davao City to meet some senators and provincial leaders of BASULTA on that day.