P100K prize up for grabs in EDSA design challenge

Transport and mobility advocates have launched the Rebuild EDSA Design Challenge, calling on the public to submit concepts for a more commuter- and pedestrian-focused redesign of one of Metro Manila’s busiest corridors.

The Move As One Coalition announced the contest on Sunday, inviting participants to develop proposals for safer, more inclusive, and dignified spaces along EDSA. The submission deadline is August 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

“EDSA is getting rebuilt. This is our chance to make it work for people, not just cars,” the coalition said in a public statement, emphasizing the project’s aim to shift the thoroughfare’s orientation from car-centric to people-first.

The P8.7-billion rehabilitation of EDSA had previously been put on hold following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to reassess implementation strategies and explore faster, less disruptive approaches. The pause created what the coalition described as a rare opportunity to reshape the iconic road into a more inclusive public realm.

The challenge focuses on three pilot locations—Roosevelt and Cubao in Quezon City, and Guadalupe in Makati—selected for their high pedestrian traffic and importance to multimodal connectivity. Participants are expected to design interventions for these zones, incorporating features that promote pedestrian safety, accessibility, active transport, and integration with public transportation.

Designs will be assessed on five main criteria: comfort and walkability, inclusive and seamless access, safety and security, context-aware and implementable design, and user amenities that enhance quality of life.

Top entries will be reviewed by a panel of experts from the fields of transport planning, architecture, urban design, accessibility, and road safety. A final shortlist of five will be evaluated by a broader group of representatives from government, civil society, and health and planning sectors.

The competition offers a Grand Prize of P100,000, with second and third place prizes of P50,000 and P25,000, respectively. A People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote, will also be given, carrying a prize of P10,000.

“The rehabilitation of EDSA must go beyond prioritizing the movement and speed of vehicles. It is an opportunity to build a people-first corridor—one that prioritizes the safety and accessibility of pedestrians, especially for children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and caregivers,” the coalition said.

Organized by Move As One, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and Alt Mobility PH—with support from the Clean Mobility Collective Southeast Asia—the initiative aims to transform EDSA from a high-speed conduit into a shared civic space that supports and uplifts the lives of Metro Manila residents.