The push for stronger Olympic athlete support in the Philippines received a boost after the Philippine Olympic Committee entered a three-year partnership with fuel company Cleantech on Thursday, April 16. The agreement will run through the country’s campaign for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The deal marks the first time the Philippine Olympic Committee has partnered with a fuel company, expanding its efforts to secure sustained backing for national athletes. The partnership was formalized in a signing ceremony at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.
![POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Cleantech chairman Luisito Mercado seal the partnership with (from left) Alexis Mercado, Gloria Mercado, Yeana Victoria Mercado, Francis Luis Mercado, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan, Shylou Ortiz Luis and Philip Luis Mercado. [POC photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/poc-cleantech.png)
Officials emphasized that the timing of the agreement is crucial as Filipino athletes prepare for a packed international calendar that includes the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, and other major competitions leading up to 2028.
Long-term backing for national athletes
Under the agreement, Cleantech will provide financial support amounting to P1 million annually, aimed at helping athletes in their preparation and participation in international events. The partnership aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Olympic athlete support in the Philippines amid increasing competition on the global stage.
The sponsorship also allows Cleantech to use the Philippine Olympic Committee’s branding in its campaigns, while its logo will appear across the committee’s platforms, including social media and national team uniforms.
Company representatives highlighted their commitment to supporting Filipino athletes, framing the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibility and belief in local sporting talent.
Key events leading to LA 2028
The partnership comes as national athletes gear up for several major competitions over the next three years. These include the Asian Games, regional meets, and upcoming multi-sport events that will serve as key preparation stages for the Olympics.
Hosting duties for future competitions further add to the country’s busy sporting calendar, increasing the need for sustained Olympic athlete support in the Philippines.
Officials noted that collaborations like this are essential in ensuring athletes receive the resources needed to compete at the highest level, with the ultimate goal of delivering strong performances on the Olympic stage.
The agreement signals continued efforts to build long-term support systems for Filipino athletes as they aim for success in Los Angeles 2028.