Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) has committed to providing full educational scholarships to the six siblings of the late student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia.
University President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, officially announced the commitment during a memorial Mass held on Saturday at the Christ the King Chapel on the university’s Bangkal campus. The service gathered family, friends, and members of the Ateneo community to honor the memory of the 18-year-old basketball player.
Fr. San Juan stated that the university’s decision came after discussions with Baterbonia’s parents earlier that day.
Reflecting on the young athlete’s aspirations for his family, the university president shared the motivation behind the grant.
“Gusto ko pong i-announce, bunga ng aking kwentuhan kay Mama (Rovelyn) at Papa (Rene) ngayong hapon, na isa sa mga pangarap ni Bobet ay matutupad — yung pangarap na nagdala sa kanya sa Maynila at iwan ang kanyang pamilya dito sa Davao.”
He further committed to fulfilling the late athlete’s ultimate goal for his family.
“Ang pangarap niya para sa kanyang anim na kapatid ay bibigyan po ng Ateneo de Davao University po ng scholarship.”
Baterbonia passed away alongside fellow Ateneo student-athlete Divine Adili after a tragic drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, earlier that week.
During his message, Fr. San Juan mentioned that ADDU had initial plans to coordinate with other Jesuit institutions, such as Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, to facilitate the siblings’ education. However, the family expressed a preference to stay closer to home for better mutual support.
“Handa rin pong tumulong ng ibang Ateneo tulad ng Xavier University sa Cagayan de Oro pero sabi po ni Mama dito na lang po sa Davao para mas malapit po sa Agusan. Kahit san po gusto nilang pumunta… Kuya, hindi ba sabi ko sa ‘yo kung gusto mo ng another course after Criminology,” San Juan added.
Through the scholarship program, the university hopes to honor Baterbonia’s memory and fulfill his wish to uplift his loved ones.
“Tuloy lang po natin ang pagdarasal para sa pamilya ni Bobet para ang pangarap ni Bobet para sa kanyang pamilya ay matupad,” Fr. San Juan stated.
The university president concluded by urging the community to continue supporting the grieving family during this difficult time.
“Kahit na po sobrang lungkot natin na wala na po siya, pero bubuhayin po natin si Bobet para sa pangarap niya para sa kanyang minamahal.”