Ateneo de Davao Grants Scholarships to Rene Baterbonia’s Six Siblings
RENE BATERBONIA – A touching announcement during a memorial Mass brought comfort to grieving supporters after Ateneo de Davao University pledged scholarships for Rene Baterbonia’s six siblings.
Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has pledged to provide scholarships to all six siblings of the late Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, according to an announcement made by the university on Saturday.
The scholarship offer was revealed by AdDU President Fr. Karel San Juan following the 6 p.m. Mass held at the Christ the King Chapel on the university’s Senior High School–Bangkal Campus. The announcement was met with strong support and applause from those in attendance.
During his remarks, San Juan shared an emotional message, saying, “Matutupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ni Bobet [One of Bobet’s long-held dreams is finally becoming a reality].” He explained that helping his siblings obtain an education had always been one of Baterbonia’s aspirations.
San Juan further noted that this dream was among the reasons Baterbonia traveled to Manila, where he sought opportunities to succeed in the country’s top-level sports scene and create a better future for his family.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. Eric Anthony Escandor, who reflected on Baterbonia’s life and character during his homily. According to Escandor, Baterbonia’s determination was rooted in his deep love for those around him.
“Bobet lived the maxim ‘mens sana in corpore sano,’ sound mind in a sound body in his own beautiful and unmistakably unique way,” Escandor said.
The priest also recalled that academics “were not Bobet’s strong suit,” noting that his teachers often found him falling asleep in class. However, he emphasized Baterbonia’s remarkable transformation whenever he stepped onto the basketball court.
“But when he enters the basketball court, he transforms. Bobet was a young man whose mind came fully alive the moment a basketball was in his hand,” Escandor added.
Escandor encouraged those present not only to grieve the loss of Baterbonia but also to appreciate the impact he made on others throughout his life.
“And he lived in a way that touched many lives. That is what we celebrate tonight,” Escandor said.
Despite the rainy weather on Saturday morning, many mourners gathered at AdDU’s Bangkal campus to pay their respects and honor Baterbonia’s memory.
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