The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to begin a major renovation of EDSA on December 24, utilizing advanced Japanese technology to significantly accelerate repairs and minimize public inconvenience.
Following a direct mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to find faster, more cost-effective solutions for the nation’s busiest thoroughfare, the project has been re-engineered to reduce the original two-year timeline to just eight months.
By shifting to Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)—a high-durability Japanese paving technology—the government has achieved a massive reduction in project costs. The budget has been slashed from an initial estimate of P17 billion down to P6 billion, representing a savings of P11 billion for the Filipino taxpayers.
“The initial plan was a two-year minimum, but the President insisted that disruption must be minimal,” said Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. “With this new technology, the road will be more durable and the project will be completed in eight months instead of two years.”
The first phase of the rehabilitation will commence next week, covering the stretch from Roxas Blvd. in Pasay to Orense Street in Makati. To manage the impact on the public, the government has coordinated a multi-agency response:
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EDSA Busway Protection: Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez assured commuters that the dedicated busway will remain fully operational. “We will make sure that our EDSA Busway has an adequate supply of buses to ensure fast travel for the riding public,” Lopez stated.
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Traffic Enforcement: MMDA Chairman Artes confirmed that additional personnel will be deployed to critical areas.
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Alternative Routes: The MMDA will open and promote several alternative routes to maintain continuous traffic flow throughout the construction period.
| Feature | Original Plan | New “Rapid” Plan |
| Duration | 2 Years | 8 Months |
| Budget | P17 Billion | P6 Billion |
| Technology | Standard Asphalt | Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) |
| Starting Date | — | December 24 |
The DPWH and the MMDA advise motorists to plan their trips in advance and utilize navigation apps to identify the best alternative routes during the holiday season and the duration of the repairs.
