The government insisted yesterday that the highest standards will be maintained in the reconstruction of public buildings - including schools and hospitals - destroyed by the May 12 earthquake.

The pledge was made as the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) published and invited public comments on a draft program on the rebuilding of quake-hit areas, an effort that will requires a total investment of 1 trillion yuan ($147 billion).

"We need to listen to ideas and suggestions from both home and abroad," said a spokesman for the NDRC, which was responsible for drafting the program.