Filipino Community Celebrated for Transforming Life in Rhyl and North Wales

RHYL, Wales - June 18, 2026 - PRLog -- THE contribution of the Filipino community to life in Rhyl and across North Wales was celebrated at a special event bringing together healthcare professionals, community leaders and residents in what attendees described as a "powerful display of culture, unity and inclusion".

The annual Philippine Independence Day celebration was organised by the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNA UK) Wales Chapter in collaboration with the Equality Department at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Among those attending Kalayaan 2026, held at the Town Hall, 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 went beyond marking a historic milestone.

"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 drew a direct line to the ambitions driving the Our Rhyl programme.

"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."

For more information and to give your feedback, visit YOU TELL US (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPr33Fck-weX9r9...), follow Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl on social media or visit Our Rhyl - A New Future for Rhyl. (https://ourrhyl.wales/) Email your thoughts and feedback to info@ourrhyl.wales.