THE role of the Filipino community in helping shape the future of Rhyl and North Wales was celebrated at a special event highlighting culture, inclusion and the positive impact of international communities on local life.
The annual Philippine Independence Day celebration, Kalayaan 2026, brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders and residents at Rhyl Town Hall for what attendees described as a powerful display of unity, heritage and community spirit.
Organised by the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNA UK) Wales Chapter in collaboration with the Equality Department at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), the event recognised both the history of Philippine independence and the ongoing contribution of Filipinos living and working across the region.
Among those attending were Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl Chair Craig Sparrow and Board member Jonathan Pico, a Senior Staff Nurse in Intensive Care at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Vice Chair of PNA UK Wales Chapter.
For Jonathan, the occasion represented far more than a national celebration.
“Kalayaan represents the enduring spirit of hope, unity and empowerment that continues to inspire Filipinos across the world today,” he said.
“For Filipinos living and working overseas, it also reflects the freedom to preserve our heritage, celebrate our identity with pride, build meaningful communities and create a sense of belonging wherever we may be.
“Through the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan – unity, compassion and collective community support – we continue to strengthen professional networks, support one another and make positive contributions to the communities we are proud to call home.”
Jonathan added that joining the Our Rhyl Board this year had reinforced his belief that Rhyl is “more than just a place many of us live – it is our second home”.
“As members of this community, we all have a role to play in helping shape its future,” he said.
Addressing guests, Craig praised the values of dignity, determination, resilience and community spirit that define Filipino culture and highlighted the important role diverse communities play in Rhyl’s future.
“We have a £20 million opportunity to invest in projects that will help bring new life to the town, regenerate key areas and reconnect people with all that Rhyl has to offer,” he said.
“But success depends on community cooperation, passion and shared responsibility, principles that mirror exactly why we are here tonight.”
BCUHB Chair Dyfed Edwards described the NHS as an “International Health Service”, thanking Filipino healthcare workers for the care, dedication and expertise they bring to communities across Wales.
A video message from Clwyd North MP Gill German also praised members of the Filipino community, describing them as an integral part of life in North Wales and recognising their contribution to public services, local organisations and community life.
The programme featured contributions from Rhyl Mayor Joan Butterfield MBE, BCUHB Head of Equality Ceri Harris, Eden Cuenta, Surgical Care Practitioner at Theatre, YGC, former MP and wellbeing champion Chris Ruane OBE, and representatives from Jesus Is Lord Church Rhyl.
Together, they reflected on themes of diversity, faith, heritage, inclusion and the enduring relationship between the Filipino community and North Wales.
The celebration comes as the Our Rhyl Board continues a programme of community engagement across the town, gathering ideas and feedback from residents to help shape long-term plans for Rhyl’s future.
For more information, visit Our Rhyl – A New Future for Rhyl, follow Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl on social media, or email feedback and ideas to info@ourrhyl.wales.
