The beginnings of Olympus Society of Davao as a text-based clan started in June 3, 2014 with its first name as Elite Bimale Academy (EBA) founded by Mr. Albert V. Bautista also known as Mr. Sky. He formed the clan with 4 sub-group elements called Earth, Fire, Wind and Water with a total of 57 members.
It was attended by 42 individuals at Freedom Park held last July 15, 2014 facilitated by Mr. Oscar G. Obenza Jr (now, the Chairperson and Center Manager)
While the administration of Mr. Sky, it was being noted in the history of the clan, that he was resigned due to equally important priorities in his career as individual. Then, Mr. Christian Deo N. Viloria, Mr. Oscar G. Obenza Jr and Mr. Jeb G. Saludar elected an sworn as Official Heads of the clan during the Special Meeting held last October 17, 2014.
Mr. Christian Deo N. Viloria also called as Mommy Chris held the position Executive Director, while Mr. Oscar G. Obenza, Jr elected as President and Mr. Jeb G. Saludar as External Group Administrator.
The first meeting of the Officers with its new face of OSD, its was being renamed thru resolution made by the officers to see to it that the new face of the organization will be revive and functional. As per record, “A Resolution Renaming Elite Bi-male Academy into Olympus Society of Davao, effective October 17, 2014” was the basis of the revitalization of HOPE, COMMITMENT, PASSION AND DEDICATION of equality of rights among men and women in the society. The brand name OLYMPUS represented as men in society that there should a men’s group aside from TODA (Transport Operators and Drivers Association and Junior Gender and Development) known to be the organized groups that representing men in the society.
The society found an allies in the movement of gender-equality in the city, when President Oscar Obenza Jr. became a Peer Educator of ISEAN Hivos Program whose primary work is to address the stigma and discrimination on HIV. Then, HIV Program of the group became the focus program wherein 8 members became the first Peer Educators trained by the Department of Health – Regional Office XI with the help of the partners and stakeholders in HIV prevention in the city.
In order to develop the member’s capacity, the first Anniversary of the society was held to ensure the genuine participation of the group members.
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Yes, we did it…
After the amendments of the new group, the officers and members set the new houses called Team Wind lead by Ervin, Team Fire lead by Jayson, Team Water lead by Marz and Team Earth lead by Blue conducted quarterly enhancements and eye-balls/gatherings with team members.
Aside from the In-House Activities, some activities co-facilitated by the trained officers of the organization to aid some LGBT Groups whether capacity building, mentor-ship and other activities that is related to Group Organizing and Development.
A. House Quarterly Enhancements/Gatherings
To continue the spirit of volunteerism, each houses of the organization conducted meetings and activities that could facilitate the member’s welfare and participation in decision making. Every quarter, they conducted meet-ups and gathering to ensure that everyone will be updated and be heard.
B. Year-End Review of the Organization
Year 2015, we successfully conducted the General Assembly with 58 participants t’was held April 2016 at Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. One of the expected outcomes of the Review is the Snap Election to the vacant positions to perform the task to the organization.
Year 2016, our General Assembly was held last December 28, 2016 at Muland Inland Resort Complex, Davao City with almost 150 participants. With the new structure of the organization, the following are the newly elected officers.
Chairperson: Oscar G. Obenza
Executive Secretary: Michael A. Diacosta
Executive Director: Christian Deo N. Viloria
Operations Secretary: Marcel P. Gomez
Chief Supervising Officer (Admin): Jeb G. Saludar
Chief Supervising Officer (Finance): Reymart Q. Montoya
Executive Assistant for Policy and Plans: Jay Simporios
Executive Assistant for Information and Relation Communications: Dave Daniel G. Coles
Executive Assistant for Treasury and Audit: Wilbert Lim
Finance Assistant: Jazzver Guiloreza
Bookkeeper: Jonimhie D. Tangaro
Special Events and Trainings: Sr. Director Von Escasinas
Deputy Director Bienvenido Booc Jr.
Procurement and Logistics: Sr. Director Jon Hermes Florendo
Deputy Director Ace
Human Resource Management: Sr. Director Jan Lester Wong
Deputy Director Junjun
LEGISLATIVE OFFICERS:
House of Apollo: HL Marc Ace Busto • DHL Ken Santos
House of Aphrodite: HL Alfonzo Garcia • DHL Genesis Orit
House of Nemesis: HL Ricky Sajol • DHL Arnel Ebardo
House of Poseidon: HL King D. Fernandez • DHL Jhayjun S. Matillano
28 OSD Officers and Members participated the call for the support of the campaign against Illegal Drugs in the city in line with the celebration of the 2017 Araw ng Davao thru Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
Oscar and Jeb represented the OSD to the launching of Kulusang Pagbabago Movement held ta Barangay 5-A, Davao City
12 members of OSD, trained as Peer Education spearheaded by Department of Health – Regional Office XI
Strategic planning for CY 2017-2020 and Annual Planning for 2017 with Ms. Alma Mondragon as Organization’s Mentor thru ICOMP
Oscar Obenza Jr. represented the organization to the Pink SONA that promotes the rights and welfare of the LGBT in the country
24 OSD attended the Basic Orientation on HIV and AIDS spearheaded by the Department of Health Regional Office XI. On the same activity, Oscar Obenza Jr. acted as one of the facilitators.
10 Officers and Members attended and participated the LGBT Anti-Discrimination Forum with Representative Geraldine Roman at Ateneo de Davao University
11 members of the organization participated in the LGBT Davao Celebration in line with the celebration of 2017 Araw ng Davao at Davao City Recreation Center
SPECIAL PARTICIPATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS
MOA Signing between OSD and ISEAN HIVOS to the ISEAN Community-based Organization Mentorship Program with Alliance Against AIDS Mindanao.
Co-facilitated the Communications Training, HIV Peer Education and Counseling and Testing spearheaded by DOH Regional Office XI
THE WAY FORWARD
We, the members of Olympus Society of Davao, a people’s organization that promotes and upholds human rights and gender-fair society in order to fulfill our constitutional duty to effectively respond to the needs of our members and fulfill their aspirations for a just and humane society, where LGBT enjoy the blessings of freedom and democracy.
We will continue advocating the programs in line with the Thrust and Direction of the organization. To continue the link with stakeholders and partners in HIV prevention program in the city.
Continue also its partnership with the Davao City Government thru councils to establish Sustainable Service Delivery Networks in the City.
And lastly, to continue supporting the City Mayor and her advocacy in HIV Program and with the passage of Anti-Discrimination Ordinance would be a big step to increase awareness on Human Rights and Responsibilities among member of the community.