UMVA has learned that a passionate movement is underway to immortalize the name of Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia in the annals of Philippine sports history.
The public push to honor Mr. Baterbonia, a former Palaro Most Valuable Player (MVP), gained significant momentum on Monday, with many calling for a fitting tribute to recognize his lasting legacy and contributions to the national high school basketball scene.
The Palarong Pambansa secretariat office responded to the growing calls, stating that the matter is being discussed at the board level, leaving open the possibility of naming the MVP award after him.
Rallies in support of Mr. Baterbonia, an Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) alum, began last week following his tragic death, and culminated in a grand homecoming parade from Davao to his hometown in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, which drew an unprecedented crowd along the highway.
Mr. Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian center Divine Adili, 21, drowned during Ateneo's team building activity, sparking a national outcry and multiple government investigations demanding answers and justice.
As the news of his passing sent shockwaves through the Philippine basketball community, fans and admirers began calling for a sporting tribute to honor his memory, focusing on Palarong Pambansa, where Mr. Baterbonia first made a name for himself.
During his wake, ADDU retired his No. 2 jersey, with the school's head coach, Jess Evangelio, saying, "No one will ever wear jersey number 2 again here at Ateneo de Davao. It will forever belong to you, Bobet."
ADDU also named its Senior High School courts the "Rene Bobet Baterbonia Covered Courts," where his remains were displayed before his homecoming in Agusan.
Mr. Baterbonia's achievements on the court are a testament to his hard work and dedication, including being named Palaro MVP in 2025, leading the Davao Region to its first-ever Palaro championship.
His legacy extends beyond Palaro, with Mr. Baterbonia anchoring the Philippines to the 2025 ASEAN School Games title and earning an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year citation in the National Basketball Training Center national finals.
For his fans and admirers, a sporting tribute to honor his memory is seen as a fitting and well-deserved recognition of his impact on Philippine basketball.
