The family of the late basketball player Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia visited the condominium unit at Madayaw Residences in Bangkal, Davao City on July 3, 2026, which was awarded to them by the National Housing Authority (NHA). The unit, a fully tiled 42-square meter space with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a dining and kitchen area, and a terrace, is valued at approximately P2.26 million.
Turnover and Support from NHA
The family—including Bobet’s father Rene Senior and mother Ruvelyn—arrived at around 9 a.m. and were welcomed by NHA-XI personnel: Officer-In-Charge Division Manager A Shirley Brion, District 2 Manager Gerold Namoc, Regional Technical Head Engr. Ariel Puyos, and Estate Management Unit Head Noel Aleria. The property was formally awarded by NHA General Manager Joeben Tai.
“Malugod po nating ipinagkaloob ang isang condominium unit sa naulilang pamilya ng yumaong student-athlete na si Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia, bilang simbolo ng ating pakikiisa at suporta sa kanilang pagharap sa bagong yugto ng kanilang buhay,” Tai said. (We have warmly turned over a condominium unit to the bereaved family of the late student-athlete, Rene Clert ‘Bobet’ Baterbonia, as a symbol of our solidarity and support as they face a new chapter in their lives.)
Tai also emphasized NHA’s commitment: “Patuloy po nating isusulong ang mga programang nagbibigay ng pag-asa at pagkakataon sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Sapagkat sa NHA, ang bawat tahanang naipagkakaloob ay hindi lamang isang estruktura—ito ay pundasyon ng mas maayos, mas ligtas, at mas magandang kinabukasan.” (We will continue to champion programs that bring hope and opportunity to every Filipino family. Because at NHA, every home provided is not just a structure—it is the foundation of a better, safer, and brighter future.)
Additional Donations and Family Gratitude
Beyond the unit, the contractor of Madayaw Residences, Bilrey Construction—through owners spouses Billy and April de Leon—provided the Baterbonia family with appliances including a television, air conditioning units, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, and an induction cooker. The housing grant is provided at zero cost to the family, requiring no monetary payment.
Ruvelyn Baterbonia expressed heartfelt appreciation: “Dako akong pasalamat wala nako gigahom na ani diay ang inyong gugma pud sa akong anak,” she said during the formal turnover on July 4. (I am very grateful, I did not expect that this is how much you loved my child.)
Bobet’s Legacy and Tragic Passing
When he was alive, Bobet wished to move his family to Davao City so his mother could oversee the schooling of his youngest sibling. The condominium is located near the Ateneo de Davao Senior High campus in Bangkal. Bobet spent two years as a varsity player for Ateneo Senior High, earning the right to represent the Davao Region in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He was a key player who helped the team secure a historic Secondary Boys Basketball gold medal—the first for Davao Region.
Bobet and the Davao Eagles team also represented the country in the 14th ASEAN School Games, where they won gold. During the 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Bobet and the Davao Eagles finished second. The silver medal in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa was Bobet’s last stint playing for Ateneo de Davao and the Davao Region, as he was set to begin a collegiate career with the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles.
However, on June 8, during a team training at a beach in Dipaculao, Aurora, Bobet and teammate Divine Adili drowned. Authorities have recommended charges against several Blue Eagles team officials in connection with the incident.
