The Department of Transportation is now eyeing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the long-planned elevated walkway project along EDSA, after shelving the original government-funded proposal due to mounting fiscal pressures.

In an interview with DZRH, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency initially explored a different funding scheme, but rising government debt forced them to reconsider.

“Sa ngayon, hindi na natin tinuloy ‘yung mismong proyekto para sa ADB sapagkat malaki na ang pagkakautang. Ang iniisip na lang po namin ngayon, gaya ng sinabi ko dati, ay kung pwede na nating gawing PPP,” Lopez said.

“Mas maganda po ito sapagkat alam naman natin na ang mga investors natin ngayon gusto nila ang mga ganitong proyekto — may studies na, handa na,” he added.

The elevated walkway is envisioned to enhance active transport by offering safer, wider, and more efficient access for pedestrians and cyclists along EDSA.

Lopez invited private firms to submit proposals directly to the DOTr. The project, estimated to cost around P8 billion, is expected to follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) structure similar to other major infrastructure developments in the country.

“Ang kagandahan dito, mayroon na ring progression ang DOTr pagdating sa mga PPP project,” Lopez added, expressing confidence that the PPP route will speed up implementation without further straining government finances.

On Tuesday morning, Lopez and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon conducted a walkthrough of EDSA to inspect existing sidewalks and identify areas needing upgrades.

Dizon said the assessment forms part of a new initiative set for rollout next year that aims to provide safer and more accessible walkways, especially for persons with disabilities.