The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur has declared the late basketball player Rene Clert Baterbonia as an “AgSurnon Sports Icon” in recognition of his achievements and contributions to sports and the promotion of the province on the national and international stage.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, conferring the Datu Lipus Makapandong Award upon Baterbonia in recognition posthumously of his outstanding achievements, exemplary contributions to basketball, and for bringing honor, prestige, and pride to the province.
In the resolution, the provincial government also announced the official retirement of Jersey Number 2 in honor of Baterbonia.
The resolution said that the jersey number shall no longer be assigned, worn, or issued to any player participating in Governor’s Cup games and other provincial government-sponsored or sanctioned basketball competitions in Agusan del Sur.
The legislative measure added that Baterbonia’s life, achievements, and enduring legacy be permanently recorded in the annals of the province as an example of excellence, discipline, perseverance, humility, leadership, and dedication to sports, serving as an inspiration to present and future generations of Agusanon athletes.
Officials ordered furnishing and presentation of a copy of the resolution and a plaque of recognition to Baterbonia’s bereaved family as an expression of the provincial government’s gratitude, admiration, respect, and condolences.
The resolution highlighted Baterbonia’s basketball career, including his Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Palarong Pambansa 2025 and his role in securing a gold medal for the Philippine team at the ASEAN School Games 2025 in Brunei Darussalam.
According to the resolution, Baterbonia’s basketball journey began with the Talacogon Wood Processors Basketball Team before he was recruited by Ateneo de Davao University and alter pursued his athletic and academic aspirations at Ateneo de Manila University.
“Through his dedication, discipline, and exceptional talent, he became a source of inspiration to aspiring athletes and a symbol of excellence for the youth of Agusan del Sur, whose achievements brought honor, prestige, and recognition to the province,” reads part of the resolution.
TRAGIC DROWNING
Baterbonia and fellow student-athlete Divine Adili drowned while at a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Aurora Provincial Police Office has said the two players died of asphyxia by drowning. Authorities also clarified that no bruises were found on Baterbonia’s body as per the autopsy report.
Investigations from lead agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are underway.
“The sudden loss of Mr. Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia brought profound grief not only to his family, relatives, teammates, coaches, and love ones, but also to the entire Province of Agusan del Sur, whose people regarded him as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and excellence,” the resolution added.
