AN investigation by the Local School Board (LSB) found that a four-story building with 42 classrooms was not ready for use when it was handed over.
The investigation also showed that the project did not have a Building Permit, which is needed to obtain an occupancy permit.
This investigation began after Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy called for swift action to address the problem of an unused high school in Barangay Cugman.
The Cugman National High School – extension building, handed over to the school on June 24, 2022, has not been used and has been vandalized.
Mayor Uy expressed his concern about the condition of the school and said immediate action is needed to prevent further damage and misuse.
He stressed that education is a priority and the current state of the school is unacceptable.
The title of the property was only given to the Department of Education (DepEd) on July 3, 2023, over a year after the ceremonial turnover.
This delay has kept the school unavailable for students.
In an interview, LSB overseer Dr. Alicia Anghay, the focal person on education, said the LSB has pledged to speed up the project's completion.
Anghay mentioned that an additional budget of P25.4 million has been allocated from the Special Education Fund (SEF) for its completion.
The SEF includes P4.5 million for riprap slope protection, P5 million for electrical connection to Cepalco, P7.9 million for replenishment of lost/stolen wiring, window jalousies, toilet bowls, etc., and P5 million for water connection.
She added that an additional P3 million from the General Fund is allocated for building a fence.
They aim to finish these by December this year.
The city government had issued certificates of acceptance and inspection for the project, indicating that the building was finished based on the contract.
However, these certificates did not confirm that the school facilities were ready for use.
In a recent meeting, the LSB decided to address the lack of Building and Occupancy Permits for school buildings and classroom projects from the previous administration.
"This is to prevent similar issues in future projects," Anghay stressed.
Records show that eight elementary school buildings with 178 classrooms and 25 high school buildings with 561 classrooms also lack Building Permits.
This widespread issue highlights the need for strict oversight in school construction projects.
Mayor Uy assured that the ‘Tatak Klarex’ school and classroom projects will only be handed over to DepEd when they are fully ready for use.
Anghay said this "Tatak Klarex" approach aims to ensure the facilities are safe and usable from the moment they are handed over.
The DepEd has expressed regret over the damages and reported criminal activities at the Cugman school facilities.
According to Anghay, the agency is working with local police and the barangay council to improve security and prevent further incidents.
Residents of Barangay Cugman have voiced their concerns about the vandalism and lack of use of the school building.
They hope the quick actions promised by the LSB and the city government will resolve these problems soon.
In addition, Mayor Uy said the city government is focused on ensuring that all future school projects meet legal and safety requirements before being handed over.
This commitment aims to avoid the problems seen with the Cugman school building.
Local officials are calling for accountability from those responsible for the premature turnover of the Cugman school building.
They believe that proper procedures must be followed to prevent similar issues in the future.
Uy encouraged the community to stay alert and report any suspicious activities around the school.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting public properties.
Meanwhile, City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan said the city mayor reiterated his commitment to providing quality education for all students in Cagayan de Oro City.
According to Lumbatan, the mayor assured that the city government will take all necessary steps to ensure that school facilities are safe, secure, and ready for use.
She said the situation at the Cugman National High School – extension building demonstrates the need for careful planning and execution in school construction projects.
Lumbatan added that with the combined efforts of the city government, LSB, DepEd, and the community, the goal is to improve the situation and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
