AS the UK and the Philippines mark 80 years of formal diplomatic relations, Cornwall’s Filipino community gathered in Truro on Saturday (August 8) for the second Piyestahan multicultural festival at Truro High School.

The event began with a parade of dignitaries and dancers followed by the UK and Filipino national anthems, and colourful displays of traditional dancing.

Stallholders had travelled from across the country, from cash apps to travel agents to lipsmacking cuisine and traditional Filipino jewellery, and even companies shipping goods back to family members in the Philippines. Others such as Inspiring Women’s Network were offering local support, while Devon and Cornwall Police encouraged people of Filipino descent to apply for jobs in the force.

Event organiser and founder of the Filipino Cornwall Community Association, Christian Valenzuela estimated there are around 1,000 Filipino citizens currently living across Cornwall, working mostly in the healthcare sector but also in retail, hospitality and the domestic sector.

A theatre manager at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Christian was among the first Filipinos to arrive in the Duchy 11 years ago. “It was very different – there was less integration of different cultures back then,” he said.

“It was tiring – every day, speaking a different language. But I had signed up for it, and fortunately, everyone was very friendly, welcoming and supportive, so I decided to stay.”

Christian’s boss, head of nursing for surgery Claire Blake, added: “The Filipino community makes up a huge part of our workforce - probably 50 per cent. The nurses are so caring, compassionate and self-sacrificing.”

Truro mayor Cllr Chris Wells described the event as “the highlight of my first year in office”, adding: “Earlier this year, I had the privilege of presenting a Truro Civic Award to a Filipino nurse. It’s great to see people getting involved in the community, and I’m delighted to be part of this opening ceremony.”