Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) has pledged full educational support to the six younger siblings of late student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, granting them scholarships from kindergarten through college following his tragic death.
The announcement was made by ADDU president Fr. Karel San Juan during a memorial Mass held for Baterbonia at the Christ the King Chapel of the university’s Senior High School Bangkal Campus in Davao City.
According to Fr. San Juan, the scholarship grant fulfills one of Baterbonia’s dreams to provide a better future for his family through education.
“Bubuhayin po natin si Bobet sa pamamagitan ng pangarap niya sa kanyang mga minamahal,” San Juan said before revealing the university’s commitment to support all six of Baterbonia’s siblings until they complete their college education.
The university president described the initiative as a way of honoring the late basketball rookie’s legacy and the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his dreams.
“Yung pangarap na nagdala po sa Maynila at iwan ang pamilya rito sa Davao, ang pangarap niya, na ang kanyang anim na kapatid, ay bibigyan po ng ADDU ng scholarship,” he added.
The announcement came as the university opened a three-day public viewing on campus, allowing family members, friends, teammates, supporters, and members of the Ateneo community to pay their final respects to Baterbonia.
Baterbonia, 18, and fellow student-athlete Divine Adili, 21, died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The two were part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles squad preparing for the Filoil Preseason Cup and the upcoming UAAP Season 89.
