A newly constructed 60-million peso school building in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) has reportedly become a “drug den” and a gathering spot for couples, raising concerns among local officials about the management of public infrastructure intended for youth.
The 42-classroom facility at Cugman National High School (NHS), completed two years ago but left unused due to the absence of water and electricity, has drawn urgent calls for action from Councilor Imee Moreno and other city officials to reclaim the space for educational purposes and ensure community safety.
“I would like to refer this to the education committee so we can better understand the plans made back in 2022 and the actions to be taken so that the children can use the school,” Moreno said, in mixed Bisaya and English, during a city council meeting on July 30.
The school building, situated in Upper Zone 9, Barangay Cugman, features 42 classrooms and has been completed for two years. However, the facility remains unused due to the lack of water and electricity connections.
Reports indicate that various school equipment, including lights, wiring, circuit breakers, door knobs, water closets, and water tanks, have been stolen. Additionally, the jalousie windows have been broken and damaged.
Police Station 10 in Cugman, led by PCPT Macario L. Linog Jr., conducted an immediate investigation at Cugman NHS following reports that the newly handed over school building has been repurposed into a “drug den.”
The police discovered aluminum foils, believed to have been used by the suspects for drug sessions, on the first and second floors of the classrooms.
CDO Education Committee Chairman Suzette Magtajas-Daba responded to Moreno’s report, saying funds were allocated, but the project stalled due to stolen electrical lines. The city government is now prioritizing the issue following public attention.
Acting City Engineer Joel Momongan’s office said they are ready to address the situation of the school, which was handed over by the contractor to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the city government.
Mayor Rolando Uy directed coordination with relevant agencies to fix the wasted infrastructure project. He recommended completing the facility, deferring the previous budget to the current year.
Police Station 10 in Cugman is working with the DepEd-City Schools Division and the Barangay Cugman Council to address and apprehend suspects involved in illegal drug activities in the school’s unused classrooms.
