Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, along with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez and members of the Move As One Coalition, conducted a morning inspection of sidewalks along EDSA from Ayala Avenue to Roxas Boulevard on Tuesday, December 9.

The walkthrough, which began at 6 a.m., included persons with disabilities (PWDs) to directly assess accessibility challenges along the busy thoroughfare.

The inspection aimed to identify areas where pedestrians currently face obstacles or are forced to walk on the roadway. Dizon noted that some stretches, particularly near Pasay Road and Ayala, are difficult to navigate for PWDs due to uneven surfaces and missing ramps.

“Ang problema sa mga ibang area dito, halos wala ng sidewalks. Naglalakad na sa kalye mismo ang mga pedestrian. Kawawa naman at delikado,” Dizon said during an interview with Dos Por Dos.

Officials also observed obstructions, including temporary vendors and permanent structures, along the sidewalks. Dizon emphasized that sidewalks are public spaces and should remain open and accessible to all.

“Kailangan kausapin natin ang mga LGU. Pero ito ay public space. Ang may-ari ng mga sidewalks ay yung taong bayan, kaya dapat open ito sa lahat. May mga harang, may mga obstruction. Kailangan talaga bawal itong mga ito,” Dizon said.

Plans for future improvements discussed during the inspection include the possible installation of ramps and better coordination with local government units (LGUs).

Dizon also stressed that agencies like DPWH, DOTr, MMDA, and LGUs must collaborate to shift the mindset that streets are reserved solely for vehicles, noting that pedestrian access is crucial in densely populated areas.

“Talagang kailangan magtulungan lahat. Kailangan kinoconsider natin ang dinadaanan ng mga pedestrian natin na napakarami,” he added, citing examples from other countries where streets are designed to prioritize both pedestrians and vehicles.