MANILA - The 2 storms that hit the Philippines in the past weeks left businesses with more than P2 billion in damages, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said Friday.

But according to PCCI President Edgardo Lacson, the figure is still "very much conservative" as it does not include costs for business disruptions. Those who have opted to keep mum on their losses were also not taken into account, he added.

"Damages to businesses are more than P2 billion as of now, but that's a conservative estimate," Lacson told reporters.

The National Capital Region (NCR) and its neighboring provinces accounted for bulk of the damages at P1 billion and P800 million, respectively. These are areas that felt the brunt of storms "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" (international code names Ketsana and Parma, respectively), which killed hundreds and affected millions of families.

Some of the hardest-hit firms include shoe factories, outsourcing centers, hospitals, and rice traders.

"It's more than P1 billion in damages to NCR. But that's only for a few businessmen," PCCI Vice President for NCR Antonio Keh said.

Although it has taken a toll on several firms in Luzon, Lacson stressed that damages incurred by companies from the 2 storms will not make much of an impact on the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

"It will only make a 1% impact on our GDP," he said.

PCCI said it has committed to help local businesses recover from the wrath of "Ondoy" and "Pepeng." For instance, the group said it has identified 2,000 shoe manufacturers in Marikina to help repair equipment damaged by the 2 storms.

"PCCI is not a relief operations agency, but because of the extent of damage of the typhoons, we have contributed substantial donations (for victims of the calamities)," Lacson said.

"Our core competence is livelihood so we will put our resources there," he added.