Typhoon victims in Roxas City ask for fish nets

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon Yolanda victims in Roxas City, Capiz are no longer asking for relief goods; they want fish nets.

A Facebook post made by Junep Ocampo, one of the organizers of post-Yolanda volunteer group Oplan Hatid, said a British paramedic who went to Roxas City was told by typhoon victims that they need fish nets.

"They're asking for fishing nets. They want to go back to work," the paramedic was quoted as saying by Ocampo.

Fishing is a common source of income in Roxas City, dubbed as the seafood capital of the Philippines.

"Indeed, if you give them cans of sardines, you feed them for only several days. Give them a fishing net and you feed them and their families for a lifetime- or until that fishing net breaks," Ocampo said.

He added that the British paramedic regretted not being able to eat seafood in the city upon discovering its reputation as an abundant source of seafood.

"He and the 15 other members of the Emergency Response Team from (United Kingdom) and Canada vowed to return when things get better," Ocampo said.

The British was also quoted as saying that he was amazed by the resilience of the Filipino people.

"I have no doubt that your people will be able to rebuild their lives soon," he said.