Healthcare workers in Antique took a breather amid their busy schedules and showcased their talents and skills in the three-day sports and cultural competitions in line with the National Hospital Week celebration from Aug. 8 to 10.

“The three-day activity is intended to also forge unity and camaraderie among the healthcare workers in the province,” said Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) information officer Irene Duldoco in an interview on Tuesday.

She said the breather is good for their mental health while creating stronger relationships and camaraderie will redound to rendering quality healthcare to Antiqueños.

The event started with a caravan and an opening program at the Culasi Municipal Gymnasium in Culasi town.

The sports event kicked off with healthcare workers from the province’s eight district and one municipal hospitals grouped into four teams to compete in basketball and volleyball events until Wednesday.

Cultural competitions, including vocal solo, duet and stylized dancing will be held at the Binirayan Gymnasium on Thursday.

“There will be certificates of participation to healthcare workers and only very small prizes to the winners because of the budgetary constraint,” Duldoco said.

She said they are hopeful there will be a budget for their activity in 2024 since they were able to hold the celebration this year.

Duldoco assured services are unhampered amid the three-day activity.

Presidential Proclamation No. 181, series of 1993, declares the period Aug. 6-12 annually as National Hospital Week. (PNA)