Moreno raises alarm over neglected Cugman NHS bldg

During the 89th regular session of the 20th City Council, Councilor Imee Rose Moreno provided a report on the observable damage of a four-story building at Cugman National High School since its completion in 2022.

Over the weekend, Councilor Moreno inspected the school building, which is equipped with a ramp, 42, classrooms, a roof deck, and stainless steel water tanks. The photos she personally took revealed broken doors and jalousies, damaged toilet bowls, missing circuit breakers, broken light fixtures, and a neglected covered court. Electric wires from the court have been stolen, she added.

During her inspection, the councilor also discovered drug paraphernalia on the site, further proving media reports that the building has been used as a drug den or a venue for illegal activities.

Although the building has been turned over to the Department of Education, which is responsible for its maintenance and utilization, Councilor Moreno emphasized the local government's duty to ensure that facilities provided to agencies are used for their intended purpose.

This is especially important as the new school year has begun, highlighting issues such as a shortage of facilities, inadequate infrastructure, deficits in classroom availability, and the high student-to-classroom ratio.

Councilor Suzette Daba, Chair of the Committee on Education, assured the council that the matter would be discussed with the Local School Board. She further informed the body that a budget has already been allocated for the installation of electricity and water for the building.