As part of preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in early 2026, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is taking significant steps to ensure smoother traffic flow in Metro Manila during the event.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Wednesday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department is prioritizing the rehabilitation of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), with a specific focus on sections of the busy thoroughfare in preparation for the ASEAN meetings.

Bonoan said they are prioritizing both lanes of the EDSA segment from Pasay City to Shaw Boulevard, where the summit’s concentration will be held.

“Ang timetable po namin dito is we hope that we can complete those segments, iyong segments na iyan, towards the end of the year,” Bonoan said.

As part of a broader effort to ease congestion and improve infrastructure in Metro Manila, the DPWH is taking a phased approach to rehabilitating EDSA, ensuring minimal disruption to commuters and traffic during the work.

“Ang plano po namin dito, while we’re going to put priority to those sections from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, then maybe other sections that we may start also na hindi naman masyadong makakaabala doon sa traffic during the summit in Manila,” Bonoan said.

The Philippines will host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, and preparatory meetings starting in January are expected to impact traffic flow in Metro Manila.

The projected traffic issues prompted the DPWH to prioritize critical infrastructure improvements to create a more efficient transportation network, ultimately benefiting not only summit participants but also the millions of commuters who rely on EDSA for daily travel. | PND