EDSA Rehab: DPWH Sec. Dizon Inspects Phase 1 Progress | Updates 2024

Major rehabilitation work on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), a vital thoroughfare in Metro Manila, is now anticipated to begin no earlier than 2026, and potentially as late as 2027. This represents a shift from initial plans for a June 13, 2025 start date, with completion originally targeted for 2027.

The postponement stems from a directive issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who called for further study to minimize disruption to commuters, motorists, and the broader economy. The President also requested exploration of methods to shorten the project’s duration. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the delay will allow for a more efficient and cost-effective approach to the much-needed repairs.

Revised Plans and Budget Considerations

Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the DPWH has indicated that the revised rehabilitation plan proposes a budget lower than the previously allocated ₱8.7 billion. The DPWH has submitted this revised plan, and completing the project within six months is considered feasible. The initial postponement was announced on July 30, 2025.

The decision to delay also takes into account the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026. Officials are mindful of the potential for significant traffic congestion during the rehabilitation period and its impact on the high-profile event.

Broader Infrastructure Projects

The EDSA rehabilitation is part of a larger series of major infrastructure projects initiated under the direction of President Marcos Jr. These projects aim to address critical infrastructure needs across the country. Secretary Bonoan revealed these plans during an interview on PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Metro Manila Subway Progress

Alongside the EDSA rehabilitation, progress is being made on the ₱488.5 billion Metro Manila Subway project. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has successfully resolved right-of-way issues in the Ortigas segment, a particularly challenging area due to its location within business districts and gated communities. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon collaborated with Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto to secure the necessary land acquisitions for this portion of the project.

The Ortigas segment falls under contract package 104 of the subway project, which has been awarded to Megawide Construction Corp.

Economic Considerations and Potential Impacts

Experts have weighed in on the implications of delaying the EDSA rehabilitation. Nigel Paul C. Villarete, senior adviser on public-private partnerships at Libra Konsult, Inc., cautioned that postponing such a large-scale project increases economic costs over time, particularly concerning the loss of potential economic benefits associated with improved transportation infrastructure. A 2018 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimated the daily economic cost of road congestion in Metro Manila at approximately ₱3.5 billion.

Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, suggested that delaying the project simply postpones the inevitable disruption, potentially leading to even worse traffic conditions in 2027.

Looking Ahead

While the exact timeline for the EDSA rehabilitation remains subject to refinement, the DPWH is committed to delivering a project that is both effective and minimizes inconvenience to the public. The revised plan aims to balance the urgent need for infrastructure improvements with the broader economic and logistical considerations surrounding major events and daily life in Metro Manila. As of today, February 5, 2026, the project is still in the planning stages, with a potential start date in either 2026 or 2027.