Talacogon, Agusan del Sur — Grief, gratitude and a resolve to carry on a young athlete’s dreams filled the final wake for Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia on Tuesday, June 23, as his coaches, teammates and fellow athletes from Ateneo de Davao University and the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) paid their last respects before his burial.
Members of the Davao Eagles, who recently secured a silver medal in the secondary boys basketball tournament of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, traveled to Talacogon to honor their fallen teammate. His sudden death has stunned the basketball community across Mindanao.
Teammates recall Bobet’s kindness and generosity
For many of his teammates, the loss remains difficult to process. “Of course, we’re sad. We will see Bobet again today, but until now we still can’t believe what happened to him,” teammate Rhysus Bajenting told SunStar Davao in the vernacular during a stopover en route to Talacogon. “What will remain with us is how good of a person he was and how willing he was to help others. If I had a problem, whether it was food or basketball, and I asked, ‘Bet, can I borrow something?’ he would never hesitate to help.”
Head coach Jesus Linus Evangelio said every out-of-town trip now feels different without Baterbonia. “It hurts so much because every out-of-town game we had, Rene was always with us. Now we’re traveling again, but this time we’re going to him because of his burial,” Evangelio said.
Coach reveals Baterbonia was accepted into Gilas youth program
During a necrological service Tuesday evening at the Talacogon Municipal Evacuation and Gymnasium, Evangelio disclosed that Baterbonia had recently earned an opportunity to join the Gilas youth basketball program. “There were qualifying tryouts for Gilas, and Bobet was among those accepted to the qualifiers. He was given a chance to go to Manila and play,” Evangelio said.
Despite the opportunity, Baterbonia chose not to miss what would have been his final Palarong Pambansa season representing his hometown and province. “Bobet wanted to represent his country, but he also didn’t want to waste his last chance to play for Agusan del Sur. He was even more excited to play in front of his own people. He loved representing Talacogon and Agusan del Sur,” Evangelio said in the vernacular.
Coach: Bobet was one of the hardest-working players
Evangelio described Baterbonia as one of the hardest-working players he had ever handled. “For two years, I coached Bobet. No matter how tired he was from school or practice, he never quit. He was a hardworking athlete and an even better person.”
The coach urged the remaining players to continue pursuing Baterbonia’s dreams. “You are the ones who have the chance to continue those dreams. Be more motivated. Work harder. Give everything you have. Don’t waste your lives and your opportunities,” he told the team.
Evangelio added, “After everything that happened, I expect the players to dedicate their lives to Rene. They have the chance to accomplish things that Rene no longer can.”
Teammates share memories of brotherhood and dreams
Several teammates shared personal memories during the service. Macky Pellegrino recalled how Baterbonia helped restore his confidence during a championship run. “My most memorable experience with him was when we won the championship. Throughout the tournament, I felt like I hadn’t proven myself. But during the championship game, my confidence returned because of him. Thank you, Bobet, for letting us know you and for being with us through the years. You always guided us.”
Matt Cayetano remembered a conversation they shared beside a swimming pool during the Palarong Pambansa. “We were talking about our dreams and where we wanted our lives to go. One thing he always talked about was helping his family.” Everything Baterbonia did, Cayetano said, was motivated by his desire to provide for his loved ones. “When Bobet left us, we didn’t just lose a teammate. We lost a brother.”
A legacy of kindness, humility and determination
As family, friends and teammates gathered one final time before Wednesday’s burial, many shared the same commitment: to keep Baterbonia’s memory alive by telling his story, pursuing their dreams and living out the values he embodied. For those who knew him best, Bobet’s legacy extends far beyond basketball. It lives on in the teammates he inspired, the family he loved and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, humility and determination.
