By EDD K. USMAN
Twitter: @edd1819, Instagram: @bluestar0910, Facebook: SDN — Science, Digital & Current News
(SDN) — PARTNERSHIP is a great way to accomplish things. It’s like two brains are better than one.
Perhaps, it’s exactly what Waze, the platform that brings communities together on and off the road, and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) have in mind.
To put that in context, the digital direction finder and the government agency have struck a partnership promoting the cultural and natural wonders of the Philippines.
To implement their objective, they recently launched the “100 Days in the Philippines” campaign.
Waze and DOT will collaborate in spreading awareness and appreciation for the country’s abundant wonders, including various destinations, local traditions and exquisite cuisines and showcased them through interactive Waze zero-speed takeovers.
Takeover info click and preview screen
How does this work, here’s how.
When traffic arises, Wazers will have the opportunity to learn more about the various scenic spots in the county and discover heartwarming local traditions.
Wazers will also be able to explore and experience each of the intriguing wonders, one place at a time through zero-speed takeovers containing over 100 images of the must-see tourist destinations along with the location details.
Similar to a digital billboard, all of the information will appear when drivers are at a complete stop.
“We are excited to be able to partner with DOT to inspire our drivers to explore the unique and diverse wonders of the Philippines,” said Sarah Rodriguez, country manager of Waze Philippines.
“Through this partnership we hope to see more Filipinos taking trips of wonder, especially during this holiday season.”
Tourism Assistant Secretary Howie Uyking emphasized the importance of Filipinos as local tourists.
“The Philippines has garnered a lot of international travel awards and accolades this year. It’s the best time to experience what our country has to offer. Our collaboration with Waze will enable us to reach more Filipinos and inspire them to travel within the country more often.”
Known as the “bayanihan” (people coming together) of its community, Waze helps over three million monthly active drivers in the Philippines to navigate through extreme traffic conditions and provide ease as they get to their destinations.
The “100 Days in the Philippines” zero-speed takeover ads have been available on the Waze app until March 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, Waze has also shared what it calls “nifty driving hacks that will help us battle traffic this holiday season.”
Positioned as the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, Waze anticipates a more grueling gridlock (as usual, if I may say so) during the festive 2019 Yuletide season.
The reason for this gridlock are many Christmas parties, shopping trips, and other activities requiring travel from one location to another are now happening left and right EDSA (that is where the mother-of-all-gridlock is), Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, that cuts across Metro Manila.
Data from the digital platform from November to December 2018 shows a 10 percent increase in the number of Waze active users on the road, pointing to more people are expected to be onthe road this time of year.
To help out drivers, Waze is sharing tips to help ease stress created by the holiday season’s monstrous traffic jams.
They are plan your drives, use the right vehicle type, check your gas and gears, select routes,share your ETA (expected time of arrival), and use Mimiyuuh for a voiced direction. (Waze/SDN)
About Waze
Waze is where people and technology meet to solve transportation challenges. It’s a platform that empowers communities to contribute road data, edit Waze maps, and carpool to improve the way we move about the world. Thanks to Wazers everywhere, Waze is able to partner with municipalities and transit authorities to reduce traffic and congestion—leveraging current infrastructure while impacting city planning.