THE Olympus Society of Davao was recognized as the most outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization for 2018 in Davao City for advocating against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The organization was awarded by the city government of Davao through Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday, December 18, at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang.

“We owe this [award] to each individual who believed in our capacity in the last four years,” Olympus president Oscar Obenza said, adding that they will continue to work together for the progress and development of the LGBT community and the city.

“Siguro dahil we are Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered and other related important documents like child safe guarding policy, manual operating procedure, etc.” Obenza said in an interview with SunStar Davao Wednesday, December 19.

He also said that they have proper documentation of their events and activities as well as a community center and services that cater not only their members.

He added, "we have dedicated volunteers who are willing give their time for the community.”

The 8th LGBT Davao’s yearend gathering event organizer Wadab Babao reported that there are 82 active LGBT organizations in the city.

Out of 82, the city government chose the top three most outstanding LGBT organizations: Olympus Society of Davao, Buhangin Gays Organization (Bugas) and Boret Zone.

Meanwhile, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) commissioner Norman Baloro said that the event was a positive development for the city.

“This is a development wherein tolerance bridges acceptance though we are not politically recognized but we are culturally celebrated through having these programs,” Baloro said in a phone interview Wednesday.

"This is not just merely a celebration. This is not just a party but a year-end gathering where we can speak, voice out our experiences as LGBT,” he added.