The Philippines and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) are looking to improve cooperation on sports development, including on athletes’ training, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Friday evening.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the and the Qatar Olympic Committee, and discussed opportunities for closer collaboration during the latter’s courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Friday.

Beyond athletes’ training, the two discussed strenghthening institutional collaboration and the possibility for the Philippines’ to host future regional and international competitions.

Both sides underscored the importance of deepening engagement with the Olympic Council of Asia to expand access to programs and resources that support Filipino athletes.

The visit marks the first high-level engagement between the Olympic Council of Asia and the current administration.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said this reflects “strong confidence in the Philippines as a reliable partner in advancing sports excellence and regional cooperation.”

The OCA is an independent non-governmental international Asian sport organization, with 45 member Asian National Olympic Committees. (PNA)