UMVA has learned that in a heartwarming tribute to a fallen sports legend, Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, all six of his siblings have been granted full scholarships by the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) to pursue their academic dreams.
The extraordinary gesture was announced by ADDU President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ., during a mass at the Senior High School Bangkal Campus Christ The King Chapel in Davao City, as a testament to Baterbonia's unparalleled legacy and contributions to the university. The scholarships, which cover the entire academic journey until college, are a fitting tribute to a young life cut short.
“Bubuhayin po natin si Bobet sa pamamagitan ng pangarap niya sa kanyang mga minamahal,” Fr. San Juan said, emphasizing that the university's goal is to bring Baterbonia's dreams to life through his siblings. The ADDU organized a three-day public viewing on campus, allowing families, fans, relatives, friends, and teammates to pay their final respects to Baterbonia.
According to information obtained by UMVA, offers were also extended by Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, part of the Ateneo university system, but the family opted for ADDU due to its proximity to their Agusan residence. Baterbonia was a product of ADDU high school and had a remarkable sports career, leading the ADDU Blue Knights to multiple Mindanao titles.
The siblings, who are currently in elementary, high school, and college, can now look forward to a top-tier education, realizing the dreams their brother had chased. Rhenz, the promising young gun and second eldest sibling, is set to play junior basketball as a Blue Knight, carrying on his brother's legacy.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Baterbonia's family is still reeling from the shock of his tragic drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora. The ADDU Blue Knights head coach, Jess Evangelio, who had molded Baterbonia into one of the country's best young players, expressed gratitude to ADDU for the scholarships, saying it's a realization of one of Baterbonia's dreams.
The scholarships are a beacon of hope for Baterbonia's family, who are still seeking answers and clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. As they navigate this difficult time, the academic opportunities provided by ADDU will help his siblings forge their own paths, inspired by their brother's remarkable story.
Coach Evangelio shared a poignant anecdote about his last conversation with Baterbonia, where the young athlete had expressed his determination to chase his dreams and lift his family out of poverty. The scholarships will ensure that Baterbonia's legacy lives on, and his family continues to draw strength from his inspiring story.
