Rene Baterbonia's family receives P2.266-M condo from NHA

The family of the late Ateneo de Manila University men's basketball player Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur has received a P2.266-million condominium unit from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

In a Facebook post on Friday, the Agusan del Sur provincial government announced the development and posted photos of his parents, Rene Sr. and Rovelyn, signing documents with the assistance of NHA representatives.

Rene Sr. and Rovelyn make ends meet as a tricycle driver and a wet market fish vendor, respectively.

The provincial government also posted a photo of the Baterbonia's current home, which has repeatedly dealt with flooding over the years.

Now, things are about to change for the Baterbonia household.

"For over 20 years, the Baterbonia family lived in a modest ancestral home that was often flooded, forcing them to evacuate whenever heavy rains came. Despite their hardships, the late MVP Rene Clert 'Bobet' N. Baterbonia never stopped dreaming of providing his family with a safer and better home—a promise he often shared with his mother," the post read.

"Today, that dream has become a reality. Through the generosity of the National Housing Authority (NHA), with the support of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., the Local Government Unit of Talacogon, and other partners, the family received a condominium unit worth P2.266 million—a home that offers safety, stability, and a fresh start after years of living in a flood-prone area," it added.

READ: Who was Rene Baterbonia? Rising basketball star who passed in drowning incident

Baterbonia, 18, and his Nigerian teammate Divine Adili, 21, passed away during a team-building activity in June in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Baterbonia was laid to rest last Wednesday in Talacogon.

"While no home can ever replace the presence of a beloved son, this new beginning stands as a lasting reminder that compassion can turn grief into hope. It is a testament to how a community came together to honor Bobet's memory not only through words and tributes, but through an act of kindness that will continue to shelter and uplift the family he loved so deeply," the Facebook post read.

The 6-foot-4 Baterbonia was beloved in his hometown, leading Davao Region to its first-ever Palarong Pambansa basketball title in 2025. He earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and a Mythical Five selection in the tournament.

He represented Davao Region with Ateneo de Davao, which made a return trip to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa finals.

The Talacogon municipal government on Monday approved an ordinance declaring June 8 of every year as "Rene Clert 'Bobet' N. Baterbonia Day."

Ateneo de Davao earlier announced that it would name one of its covered courts after Baterbonia. — VDV, GMA News