The Philippine Senate paid tribute to late 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP Rene Baterbonia on Wednesday as Senator Risa Hontiveros personally met with his mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, and reaffirmed the chamber’s recognition of the young basketball standout’s legacy.
The Senate’s tribute came 58 days after Baterbonia and Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili lost their lives in a drowning incident during Ateneo de Manila University’s team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Hontiveros said the Senate had filed a resolution honoring Baterbonia, the Talacogon, Agusan del Sur native who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most promising young basketball players.
The late cager earned national recognition after being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, with many regarding him as one of the brightest prospects in Philippine basketball.
(C) Rovelyn Baterbonia
“Just a kid with a big dream,” her post on Facebook read.
She said that dream went far beyond personal success.
“At ang pangarap pong iyon ay hindi para sa kanyang sarili lamang: ginawa niya iyon para sa kanyang pamilya, para maiangat sila mula sa kahirapan. Dala-dala rin niya ang dangal ng kanyang komunidad at ng bayang kanyang minahal,” the post continued.
During her meeting with Rovelyn Baterbonia, Hontiveros acknowledged the family’s grief and expressed hope that the Senate’s recognition would bring them comfort.
“Ginang Baterbonia, alam po naming lubos na masakit ang kanyang pagkawala. Ngunit nawa’y makapagdulot ng kaunting kapayapaan sa kalooban ang malaman ninyong hindi po siya makakalimutan.”
She added that the Senate would continue to honor the young athlete’s memory.
“Na sa Senadong ito, binigkas ang kanyang pangalan nang may paggalang. At na ang kanyang alaala ay magsisilbing paalala sa amin ng aming tungkulin sa bawat batang atletang nangangarap ding tumuntong sa entablado,” it read.
Hontiveros also extended her sympathies to the Baterbonia family and the people of Talacogon.
“Sa pamilya Baterbonia at sa buong bayan ng Talacogon — taos-puso po ang aming pakikiramay.”
