The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will request P5 billion from the P12 billion supplemental budget approved by Senate and Congress leaders to rehabilitate the infrastructures damaged by storms Ondoy and Pepeng, an official said.

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the DPWH is in need of P5 billion for the repair works of the damaged roads and bridges in Luzon that may take them six months at the most.

“Both Houses of Congress have approved the P 12 billion supplemental budget and we will request P 5 billion from that budget for repair and rehabilitation,” Ebdane told reporters.

“We initially requested private contractors to do the clearing, repair and rehabilitation and we will pay them later,” he added.

Aside from rehabilitation efforts on roads and bridges, victims of the two deadly storms will also be the first to benefit from the approved supplemental budget intended to boost the calamity fund for this year.

It will be sourced from the P 12 billion proceeds of the government’s share in the Malampaya natural gas project.

In a report released by DPWH to the media, a total of 28 bridges, 34 flood control structures and 295 road sections in eight regions from Ilocos to Bicol were affected by heavy floods and landslides brought about by the recent weather disturbances.

Damaged roadways and bridges include Banaue – Mayoyao Road in Ifugao; Calanan – Pinukpuk – Abbut Road in Kalinga; Manila North Road and Rosario – Pugo Road in Ilocos; Palico – Balayan Road and Cawong Bridge, Diokno Highway, Marikina – Infanta Road in Calabarzon; among others.

Naming a few of affected DPWH flood control projects, Ebdane said Agno River project, Bicol Power Basin, and Laoag flood control project were among those struck by storms Ondoy and Pepeng.