In a strong commitment to realize a safer and more accessible transport infrastructure for all Filipinos, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon today conducted a joint inspection walk along a major stretch of EDSA, from Ayala to Roxas Boulevard.
The initiative is a direct response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make EDSA significantly more accessible and pedestrian-friendly, with a special focus on the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
Secretary Lopez emphasized the importance of the inspection for DOTr’s priority program: active transport.
“We are checking our pedestrian lanes, bike lanes, overpasses, and sidewalks to see if they are still passable and truly safe for our commuters. The safe passage of pedestrians, including PWDs and seniors, is important to DOTr, which is why we are promoting our active transport program,” said Sec. Lopez.
The joint inspection offered the two Secretaries a first-hand look at the daily challenges faced by commuters, observing narrow, bumpy, and hazardous walkways.
Secretary Dizon, whose department is responsible for the infrastructure, affirmed the commitment to improving the walkways:
“I want to see the status of the sidewalks because that is the responsibility of DPWH, so that our PWDs and those who walk every day will be comfortable in their journey,” stated Sec. Dizon.
Critical to the assessment was the participation of representatives from the Move As One Coalition (MAOC), including Co-Convenor Dr. Maureen Mata, who navigated the route in a wheelchair to demonstrate accessibility challenges.
Dr. Mata underscored the need for substantial infrastructure improvements: “The roads themselves in my journey from One Ayala to Roxas Boulevard still need to have better infrastructure to be accessible and safe, not only for PWDs like me but also for all road users… Now, DOTr and DPWH will work together to realize the accessibility that we previously anticipated will be put into place.”
MAOC member Wilhansen Joseph highlighted the broader benefits of a pedestrian-friendly environment, noting that it will not only aid commuters but also lead to positive urban effects:
“At least with a more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, you will be able to decrease the need for cars, at the same time actually increase the land value.”
Following the inspection, the two Departments have pledged to collaborate closely to immediately address the identified deficiencies, ensuring sidewalks and pedestrian routes are properly covered and fixed. This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward transforming EDSA into a truly inclusive and safe corridor for all road users.
