The name of RENE Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia may soon be immortalized in the Palarong Pambansa records.
The public campaign to find Mr. Baterbonia, a former Palaro Most Valuable Player (MVP), to be honored in sports earned the foundation on Monday to be named MVP in recognition of his lasting legacy and contributions on the high school basketball court.
“Log in the board,” said the Palarong Pambansa secretary’s office A star in response to growing calls for Mr. Baterbonia.
Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) alum Mr. Baterbonia, online and locally especially during the grand procession of his return from Davao to his home in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Monday with an unprecedented crowd line on the highway, started last week following his tragic death.
Mr. Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian center Divine Adili, 21, drowned during Ateneo’s team building at the Hermanos Leisure and Farm Resort in Barangay Lipit in Dipaculao, Aurora which has sparked a national outcry and several government investigations seeking answers and justice.
But calls for more than that have also increased as the focus of the sport is on the Palarong Pambansa, where the 6-foot-4 striker began to make a name for himself which led to his selection to play college football at Ateneo de Manila University.
When he woke up at ADDU Senior High School Bangkal Campus Christ The King Chapel in Davao City, his jersey number 2 was retired by the Blue Knights.
“No one will ever wear jersey number 2 here at Ateneo de Davao. It will always be yours, Bobet,” said ADDU and Davao Region head coach Jess Evangelio. “Surely you were one brother, there will never be another.”
ADDU also named its High School Courts as “Rene Bobet Baterbonia Combined Courts” where his remains were visited before his return to Agusan.
Mr. Baterbonia, even a late football player who started playing in high school, became the 2025 Palaro MVP while guiding Davao Region to its first ever Palaro tournament in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
In his home province this year, which attracted crowds of people who were packed to the game following one another with his song about coming back with a duck, Mr.
Even Region IV-A led by New Season MVP Ali Mamauag and Last MVP Dairick Duterte, was among those teams that will pay tribute after Mr. Baterbonia at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City, emphasizing his humility and kindness on and off the court even when their Palaro rivalry was heated.
Apart from Palaro, Mr. Baterbonia also anchored the Philippines to the 2025 ASEAN School Games title with 21 points in a 90-86 win over Malaysia while earning All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the National Basketball Training Center’s national finals featuring the country’s top high school players.
As the proud son of Palaro, hopes were high for Mr. Baterbonia as the next star of Manila and down the road, PBA or Gilas Pilipinas standout.
But those dreams were cut short and swept away by the treacherous waters of Aurora to no avail – to the shock and mourning of the entire Philippine basketball community.
For his fans and those who admire him from afar, even if they are not related at all by blood, the respect of the sport and the respect of these lovers are deserved and deserved. – John Bryan Ulanday
