By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Phase 1 of the EDSA rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by July, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday.
At a press conference, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the project is nearing 50% completion, and they are looking to complete it in five months.
“We are currently close to 50 percent of Phase 1. So we want to complete this all by July 2026 with the sidewalks,” he said. “The progress of the EDSA rehab is good. In fact, the progress is quite advanced.”
Dizon reported that the improvements on the exclusive EDSA Busway have been completed, but the rehabilitation works on sidewalks will not be done until July.
He said they are now in the final stages of preparation for Phase 2 of the EDSA rehabilitation, which covers Orense in Makati City to Cubao in Quezon City.
The initial stage of the rehabilitation works on the major thoroughfare from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City to Orense started on Dec. 24, 2025. Among the works are asphalt overlay and concrete reblocking.
The works on the EDSA rehabilitation project are carried out daily from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
For Holy Week, Dizon said the agency is planning to conduct round-the-clock rehabilitation schedules, but would seek permission from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
“I tell our district engineers and regional directors, what is lacking here is understanding of what our countrymen are going through. There is a lack of concern. They say it’s just a project, but they don’t know that if it is fixed quickly, there will be great comfort for the people…That is all about the mindset of DPWH people that needs to change,” Dizon said.
“Unless a project is 100% completed…Sorry, it is useless because the people cannot [use] it. Let’s say, for example, there is a bridge—and it is only 90% completed, it is useless. Because you can’t just climb up and then jump to the other side of the bridge,” he added. (PNA)
