DAVAO CITY — Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has granted full educational scholarships to the six siblings of late student-athlete Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, fulfilling one of the dreams that inspired his rise from humble beginnings to national basketball prominence.
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| Photo courtesy: Rene Baterbonia Facebook page |
The announcement was made by AdDU president Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ during a memorial Mass on June 13 at Christ the King Chapel inside the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School campus.
Addressing mourners gathered to celebrate Baterbonia’s life, San Juan said the university would provide scholarships for all six of his siblings, from Basic Education through College.
“Matutupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ni Bobet,” San Juan said, drawing applause from family members, friends, teammates, and supporters.
He explained that the scholarship grant was inspired by the same dream that pushed Baterbonia to leave Davao and pursue greater opportunities in Manila.
“Yung pangarap na nagdala po sa Maynila, at iwan ang pamilya rito sa Davao,” San Juan said, referring to the young athlete’s desire to secure a better future for his loved ones.
That dream was evident in one of Baterbonia’s final conversations with his longtime mentor, Coach Jess Evangelio, before departing for Manila to join Ateneo de Manila University.
“Coach, hindi muna ako babalik sa Davao ng mga limang taon kasi gusto ko munang yumaman at iahon ang aking pamilya sa kahirapan,” Baterbonia told Evangelio.
The statement revealed the motivation behind his sacrifices, as every game, training session, and opportunity carried the hope of helping his family rise above poverty.
A native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Baterbonia emerged as one of the country's brightest young basketball prospects through hard work and determination.
He led Davao Region to a historic gold medal in the boys’ basketball competition at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and later represented the Philippines in the ASEAN School Games.
His promising career was cut short after he drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8, just days after arriving in Manila to begin a new chapter in his basketball journey.
Though his life ended far too soon, the dream he carried for his family lives on through the educational opportunities now awaiting the six siblings he worked so hard to support.
— The Summit Express
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