MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working to complete repairs on some 20 bridges damaged by the powerful earthquake that jolted Negros Oriental last Monday.

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo told ANC Dateline Philippines that they have been instructed to finish repair works to make all the bridges passable to light vehicles by Wednesday next week.

Momo said of the 20 damaged bridges, five need major repairs. Of the five, three are located in hardest-hit La Libertad and Guihulngan City.

"The instruction is for us to open the bridges by Wednesday next week so we are rushing all the repairs," Momo said. "But we will open bridges with serious damage to light vehicles only."

Momo said they have allotted an initial P260 million for the repair works, but "looking at the damage, we really need additional funds."

The government is speeding up the repairs so it can bring relief assistance to residents of isolated towns in Negros Oriental.

Momo said they have fielded 15 teams to "assess the extent of damage to the structures" and determine if the bridges are located along fault lines and should be realigned.