Pinay secures license to drive in Saudi Arabia

'SOBRANG SAYA PO'


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Graynne Angel Edralin Sicam-Panitan could not contain her excitement, and for a reason: she may hold the distinction of being the first Filipina to secure a license to drive in the Kingdom.
"Masayang-masaya ang pakiramdam na nakakuha na ako ng Saudi license. Sobrang saya po ang pakiramdam and excited at the same time," Graynne told GMA News.
Video of Graynne driving in Saudi Arabia has become viral on Facebook. It has over 31,000 views and 566 shares as of posting time.

According to the 37-year-old Graynne, she secured her license on July 17, one month after she applied for it.
She said her husband immediately allowed her to drive after she secured her license.
"With license I guess ako po yata ang nauna although may mga nagsabi po na may mga nakapag-drive na before pero walang lisensya po," said Graynne, who is from Dagupan City.
Last month, the government of Saudi Arabia overturned the world's only ban on female motorists.
The lifting of the ban was expected to be transformative for many women, freeing them from dependence on private chauffeurs or male relatives.
Graynne advised fellow Filipinas in the Kingdom to immediately apply for their licenses for speedy processing.
"Eto na 'yung chance namin na makakuha ng lisensya at kung sa tingin nila kung kailangan nila talaga kumuha para hindi sila nakadepende sa kanilang mga asawa, kapatid para sila ipagmaneho, ay i-grab na nila ito habang ang proseso sa pag-aaplay ay madali pa lang," she said. —Ronaldo Concha/KBK, GMA News

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