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The six siblings of late student-athlete Rene Baterbonia will receive full educational scholarships from Ateneo de Davao University, following an announcement made by university president Fr. Karel San Juan during a memorial Mass held in his honor.

Speaking before family members, friends, and members of the Ateneo community, Fr. San Juan shared that the university would support the education of Baterbonia's brothers and sisters from basic education through college. He said the initiative was a way of honoring the young athlete's aspirations for his family, noting that one of his dreams was to help provide opportunities for his siblings.

“Yung pangarap na nagdala po sa Maynila, at iwan ang pamilya rito sa Davao. Ang pangarap niya, na ang kanyang mga kapatid, anim na kapatid, ay bibigyan po ng Ateneo de Davao University po ng scholarship,” Fr. San Juan said.

The scholarship announcement was made during a Mass on Saturday, June 13, at Christ the King Chapel inside the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School campus. Fr. San Juan acknowledged the grief brought by Baterbonia's passing but emphasized that the university hopes to keep his memory alive by helping fulfill the goals he held dear for his loved ones.

Rene Baterbonia passed away on June 8 along with fellow Ateneo Blue Eagles player Divine Adili during an accident while having a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

University officials said the gesture serves as a tribute to Rene's life and legacy, ensuring that his dream of supporting his family continues despite his untimely death.

RELATED CONTENT: In Memoriam: Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia's basketball journeys