Waze, the world’s largest community-based mobility app and a Google company, has appointed Sarah Rodriguez as Country Manager for the Philippines.

Rodriguez joins Waze from ABS-CBN Corporation where she was Head of Digital Sales, Digital Media Division. Prior to that, she was the Digital Solutions Manager for Yahoo Philippines.

“Sarah’s 11 years of experience in marketing and brand development are already an asset as we continue to grow our business from the Manila office. The Philippines is an important market to Waze and we see a golden opportunity to further deepen our presence with strategic partnerships with the government and the private sector under her leadership,” said KK Kumar, Waze APAC Regional Manager.

Traffic is a common problem across the Philippines. In 2017, Waze data found that Manila places first in the world as the city with the worst traffic. In addition to leading business development for Waze, Rodriguez will also be responsible for brokering partnerships with both public and private agencies and institutions as part of the Connected Citizens Program (CCP).

CCP empowers partners to harness real-time driver insights to improve congestion and make better planning decisions. In Manila, Waze is already in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to provide data to create better routes; provide wider coverage of incidents; and support public outreach to promote safer driving conditions for citizens.

“The opportunity to be part of an organization that promotes community engagement to solve daily issues on traffic management and driving experience is a privilege. I’m delighted to be part of Waze’s journey in the Philippines to bring technology that can make a meaningful impact in people’s lives,” said Rodriguez.

Waze is also committed to bringing the most helpful features to drivers in the Philippines. With the real-time map data, users can see alternative routes helping them to get to their destinations on time. The real-time updates keep drivers informed of traffic jams, accidents and construction to avoid for safer and on-time trips.

Rodriguez will be engaging with the Waze community throughout the Philippines to understand what they need most when on the road. She will also be working closely with brands to help them reach new audiences through advertising on Waze.

Rodriguez is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing Communications from De La Salle University.