Ateneo de Davao University president Rev. Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, announced full scholarships for the six siblings of the late Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia during a Eucharistic Mass on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The Mass, livestreamed from Davao City, celebrated the life and legacy of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa most valuable player (MVP).
Fulfilling a Dream
“Bubuhayin po natin si Bobet sa pamamagitan ng pangarap niya sa kanyang mga minamahal (We will keep Bobet’s memory alive through the dreams he had for his loved ones),” San Juan said, underscoring the university’s commitment. He explained that the decision followed consultations with Baterbonia’s parents and honors the student-athlete’s aspirations for his siblings’ future.
Other institutions, including Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro, also offered assistance, but the family chose to keep the siblings in Davao to remain closer to home.
Emotional Tribute
“So, tuloy po natin ang pagdarasal sa pamilya po ni Bobet. Parang pangarap po ni Bobet sa kanyang pamilya ay matupad. Kahit na po, sobrang lungkot po natin (Let us continue praying for Bobet’s family. It feels as if Bobet’s dream for his family is coming true. Even though we are deeply saddened),” the university president said. Baterbonia’s mother was seen in tears during the Mass as the scholarships were announced.
Coach Jess Linus Evangelio of the Ateneo Blue Knights high school basketball team praised the initiative. “Isa gyud kini sa mga pangarap ni Rene nga natuman (This is truly one of Rene’s dreams fulfilled),” he wrote on Facebook. “Daghang salamat sa Ateneo de Davao University sa paghatag og scholarship sa tanan igsuon ni Rene (Thank you to Ateneo de Davao University for giving scholarships to all of his siblings).” Evangelio added, “Para ni nimo ni, Rene. Padayon kang among inspirasyon. We love you, and we miss you every day.”
Legacy of a Champion
Evangelio mentored Baterbonia for two years, leading the team to Davao Region’s historic gold medal in secondary boys basketball at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte and a gold medal at the Asean Schools Games in Brunei that same year. The Davao Eagles also secured a silver medal at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Baterbonia’s hometown of Agusan del Sur.
San Juan said the university will manage and coordinate donations for the family’s long-term needs. “We will update his mother and father daily on the total amount received,” he said in Filipino. “We will not post the figures publicly. It will be shared directly with them more privately and securely,” ensuring transparency while protecting the family’s privacy.
The 18-year-old Baterbonia and teammate Divine Adili, 21, died on June 8, 2026, in Dipaculao, Aurora, in a drowning incident during a team-building activity of the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles men’s basketball team.
