MANILA, Philippines – Even in death, Rene Baterbonia fulfilled one of his dreams for his family. 

In celebration of Baterbonia’s life, the Ateneo de Davao University will provide his six siblings full scholarships from basic education to college, school president Fr. Karel San Juan announced on Saturday, June 13. 

“Although we’re deeply saddened because he’s gone, we’ll keep Bobet’s spirit alive through his dreams for his loved ones,” the Jesuit priest said in Filipino after Saturday’s mass held in Baterbonia’s honor at Christ the King Chapel inside the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School. 

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Hailing from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Baterbonia — a son of fish vendors and the second eldest of seven siblings — transferred to Ateneo de Davao to play for the Blue Knights squad coached by Jess Evangelio.

Evangelio said in previous interviews that the 6-foot-4 forward chose Ateneo de Davao among other suitors as his commitment guaranteed a scholarship for his younger brother Rhenz as well.

Baterbonia’s arrival marked an era of excellence for Ateneo de Davao as the school represented and powered Davao Region to a historic secondary boys’ basketball gold medal in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.

Led by Baterbonia, Ateneo de Davao also made up most of the team that won the Philippines the boys’ basketball gold medal in the 2025 ASEAN School Games in Brunei. 

Now, Ateneo de Davao is giving back to Baterbonia, who tragically drowned along with teammate Divine Adili during the team building of Ateneo de Manila’s basketball team on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora.

San Juan said that even Baterbonia’s older brother Rubeyan can pursue another course after he finishes his Criminology degree. 

The news brought a sense of relief to Baterbonia’s loved ones who are still grappling with his tragic death at the age of 18, just days after he moved to Ateneo de Manila University. 

“Let’s continue praying for Bobet’s family so his dreams for them may come true,” said San Juan. – Rappler.com