THE ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has affected many of us psychologically and financially.

But for Kent Ryan Ibañez, 18, of Barangay Talacdan in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental, he used his God-given talent to help himself and his family financially despite the current situation that we have right now.

Ibañez, a grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (Humss) student of Tabu National High School, said that he has always had a passion for drawing but was not given a venue to express his craftsmanship.

Until his teacher, Cyros Toding, field him as a contestant for a fabric painting contest, which eventually started to change his life.

For him, this did not only help him financially but also allowed him to express himself.

Usually, the subject of his drawings and paintings are people, environment and other beautiful sceneries, which he said remind him of how beautiful God's creations are.

His paintings later on are sold and so far, the most expensive one that he has ever sold valued at P10,000. He used the money to buy a cellular phone, laptop and printer which he used for online classes.

He wishes to continue painting even if he already finds a stable job later on and also encourages others not to be shy in sharing their talents as they will be recognized as well later on.