Typhoon rehabilitation in Central Luzon to cost P806 million

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Some three weeks after typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” battered Central Luzon, government agencies are now in better grasp of the initial cost of priorities for rehabilitation in the region: P806 million for housing and rehabilitation of damages roads, bridges and school buildings.

According to reports from these agencies, P154 million is needed for new homes for 2,000 families whose houses were totally destroyed, P324 million for damaged roads and bridges, and P310 million for damaged school buildings.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Luzon said the 2,000 families rendered totally homeless by the recent typhoons would receive P70,000 each under the Core Shelter Assistance Program.

Records show 808 houses were totally destroyed in Zambales, with assistance of P57 million, followed by Bulacan with 709 homes, with aid of P50 million; Bataan, P24 million; Aurora, P16 million; Pampanga, P4 million; and Nueva Ecija, P3 million. Estimates for Tarlac were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways placed the partial cost of restoring damaged bridges and roads in Central Luzon at P324 million.

The restoration of Labi Bridge in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, whose 120-meter portion was damaged, would cost P70 million. In Tarlac, P27 million would be needed to repair the eroded slopes of Tarlac River in Tarlac City and the towns of Malayep, Gerona, Rang-Ayan, Paniqui and Villa Paz.

San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriquez, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, said all flood control projects in Central Luzon should be finished, particularly the Tarlac River project.

“The Tarlac River project will ensure the protection of Tarlac City from flooding considering that the riverbed of the river is now higher than the level of the city itself,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Central Luzon said repairs of damaged school buildings in the region would require P310 million.

The Department of Health’s regional office has yet to finalize reports on typhoon damage to government hospitals across Central Luzon, particularly in Bulacan where many hospitals were flooded.