MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will start the first phase of the long-delayed rehabilitation of the Epifanio delos Santos Ave. or Edsa. "This follows the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to repair the highway to make it safe for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians, especially vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women," Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Wednesday. Dizon said concrete reblocking works would start at 11 p.m., both at the southbound and northbound stretch of Edsa and until Dec. 27, adding that asphalt overlay works will follow thereafter. The work plan, Dizon said, was meant to take advantage of the long Christmas break when people would be on vacation and less cars were expected to traverse EDSA. "With less disruption, more work can be done and at least cost to the government," said Dizon. Based on the DPWH work plan, southbound concrete reblocking would be done from Dec. 24-27 from P.Celle St., Pasay City to Roxas Boulevard (inner lane only), and Tramo Flyover to P. Celle St. (inner lane only) from Dec. 26-27. For the northbound side, works will be from Roxas Boulevard to Park Avenyue (inner lane only) from Dec. 24-27, and Park Avenue to Taft Avene (inner lane) on Dec. 27. Soulbound asphalt overlay will be done at the Edsa Orense to Urdaneta Village (Dec.25), Edsa Orense to Magallanes Interchange (Dec.26) and Tramo to Loring St. (Dec. 27). Dizon advised motorists to use alternate routes during the said period, adding that the DPWH will provide an updated repair work schedule from Dec. 28, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026.