Engineer Charles Sokoken of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the proposed project will be done in two packages -- the first package will amount to P393 million while the second package amounts to P361.5 million.
Sokoken said the detailed engineering for the proposed works are ongoing and construction is expected to start on the third quarter of this year.
"We hope to finish phases two and three by the last quarter of 2009 or first quarter of 2010 before the President's (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) term ends," he said.
Phase two of Halsema's rehabilitation starts from Mt. Data in Bauko to Bontoc, Mountain Province, while phase starts from Bontoc to Banaue, Ifugao. Phase one -- La Trinidad to Mt. Data -- was completed in 2006.
The rehabilitation work at phase two was subjected to controversies and incurred delays due to some erratic works done by its contractor.
At present, Sokoken said the project is already 64.4 complete, based from the P340.35 million funds released in 2006.
He also explained the problem incurred by the contractor is not unique to Halsema, particularly the phase two works.
"Remove and replace is a normal occurrence in the construction industry," he said.
Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane ordered the contractor last year to remove and replace some of the works during his surprise inspection.
DPWH Regional Director Mariano Alquiza earlier said the problematic works have been fixed at the contractor's expense.
Halsema Highway's rehabilitation is one of the flagship projects of Arroyo.
Rehabilitation of the highway is seen to spur development in the areas traversed.
