Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Tuesday that the agency is considering a public-private partnership (PPP) model for the long-planned elevated walkway project along EDSA, after shelving the original government-funded proposal due to growing financial constraints.

In an interview on dzRH's Dos Por Dos, Lopez said the government initially explored funding the project through another model. However, the plan was halted as the government faced substantial debt obligations.

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

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

The proposed elevated walkway is envisioned to improve active transport and urban mobility along EDSA, offering safer and more efficient access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lopez encouraged interested private entities to submit their proposals directly to the DOTr. The project is estimated to require ₱8 billion in investment and will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) structure, similar to other major infrastructure projects in the country.

“Ang kagandahan dito mayroon na ring progression ang DOTr pagdating sa mga PPP project,” Lopez added, expressing optimism that this approach will accelerate development without further burdening government resources.

Meanwhile, Lopez and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon walked along the length of EDSA on Tuesday morning, December 9, to inspect existing sidewalks and assess areas in need of improvement.

According to Dizon, the inspection forms part of a new project set for rollout next year. The initiative aims to provide safer, wider, and more accessible walkways for pedestrians, including persons with disabilities (PWDs).