CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy has demanded immediate action to tackle the serious issue of an unused high school in Barangay Cugman, which has been unoccupied and vandalized since its handover on June 24, 2022.
Mayor Uy is pushing for a thorough investigation by the Local School Board (LSB), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and Office of the Building Official (OBO), not just in Cugman but in all school buildings and classrooms constructed during the previous administration.
He urges the City Council, through the Majority Floor Leader and Education Committee, to investigate the alleged misuse of these school facilities.
The city government, according to Uy, is committed to resolving the problem to ensure the safety of students and the community.
Prompted by Uy, the LSB will meet today, July 30, at 1:30 PM at the City Mayor’s Office conference room to address these concerns.
Dr. Alicia E. Anghay, the Focal Person on Education and Head Secretariat of the LSB, confirmed that this issue is a top priority.
This call to action follows a July 27, 2024, radio broadcast where a caretaker claimed that Cugman National High School in Upper Zone 9 was being misused for illegal activities and as a lodging house for couples.
The school has experienced theft and vandalism, with items such as lights, wiring, circuit breakers, door knobs, water closets, and water tanks stolen, and broken jalousie windows adding to security concerns.
Police Station 10 in Cugman is collaborating with the Department of Education-City Schools Division and the Barangay Cugman Council to apprehend those responsible for the illicit activities.
City Police Director Col. Salvador Radam has instructed an investigation led by Police Captain Macario L. Linog Jr., who discovered aluminum foils suspected to be used for drug activities.
The 42-classroom facility has remained unused due to a lack of water and electricity connections, worsening the situation and encouraging vandalism and theft.
Mayor Uy emphasized the need for swift action to protect the students and community.
The community has expressed significant concern over the safety and future use of the high school.
Parents and residents are hopeful that authorities will act quickly to restore the school's integrity and ensure it serves its intended purpose.
The upcoming LSB meeting aims to address these issues and develop solutions to prevent further misuse and damage.
The coordinated efforts of the police and local authorities are vital for securing the school premises.
City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan highlighted Mayor Uy’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of students and the community.
The community is looking to authorities for decisive action to secure and rehabilitate Cugman National High School.
The outcome of the LSB meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps to secure the school and prevent further illegal activities.
The community eagerly awaits a resolution that ensures a safer environment for their children.
"The authorities' swift response to these troubling reports is a positive move towards addressing the misuse of the school and restoring order within the community," said Lumbatan.
