A student’s interest that stemmed from his childhood has started to earn him some income, even making police stations among his main clients. 

Paul Valencia, a 21-year-old criminology student from Lipa City, Batangas, is making use of cardboard to create miniature police mobile cars. His interest in arts and crafts began in his days assembling toys when he was young. 

"Ako na po mismo ang gumagawa, kumukuha lang po ako ng mga materials sa mga tindahan ng tito ko po, hinihingi ko po, tulad po ng karton [at] mga typewriting, tapos bubuo na po ako," Valencia said.

It takes him about one to two weeks to complete a single piece. The attention to detail he puts into every creation - from the seats to the body of the vehicle, and down to the wheels - has caught the attention of the Philippine National Police.

"Nakapaggawa po ako ng isa noon [para] sa akin po… nai-post ko po sa Facebook, and then kumalat po, dami [nang] shares. Nakita po siguro ng mga pulis, istasyon," he said.

Since then, orders came pouring in from other provinces, even from overseas. His most expensive piece was sold at P2,000.

Valencia's parents are proud of his achievements, especially that what he is earning has helped support his education. 

"Nabibili niya ng gamit niya [yung nakikita niya], kung anong kailangan niya. Hindi na po niya kailangang humingi sa akin ng pambili ng damit niya. Doon na niya nakukuha," Valencia’s mother, Francia, said.

Valencia plans to continue crafting miniature cars while working towards his dream of becoming a police officer.