SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for stronger safety and welfare safeguards for young athletes following the death of student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, whose promising life and basketball career were cut short at a young age.

Go honored Baterbonia as he co-sponsored Senate Resolution No. 472, which recognizes the late athlete’s achievements and contributions to Philippine basketball.

The senator said Baterbonia’s death was a major loss not only to basketball but to the entire Philippine sporting community.

“Bilang isa rin pong basketball enthusiast mula seven years old pa po, ang pagkamatay po ni Baterbonia is a great loss not only to the sport of basketball but the whole Philippine sporting community,” Go said.

Born and raised in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Baterbonia moved to Davao City to pursue his education and basketball career.

He represented the Davao Region in national competitions and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.

He also helped the Davao Regional Athletic Association win its first Palarong Pambansa basketball championship and was part of the team that won a gold medal at the 14th ASEAN Schools Games in Brunei.

Go said Baterbonia’s accomplishments reflected years of discipline, sacrifice, and determination, as well as his desire to help improve the lives of his family.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, said the tragedy should strengthen efforts to ensure that young athletes are adequately protected while pursuing both their education and athletic careers.

Go cited Senate Bill No. 2261, which seeks to establish a Comprehensive Student-Athlete Safety and Welfare Policy.

Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Sports Commission, in coordination with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, would formulate and implement a National Student-Athlete Safety Code.

The proposed policy aims to establish clearer safety and welfare standards for student-athletes during training, competitions, travel, and other sports-related activities.

Go said such safeguards are necessary to help prevent similar tragedies involving young athletes.

“Meron na pong initial hearing ang ating Basic Education Committee Chairperson, Senator Bam Aquino, tungkol dito para maiwasan yung ganitong pangyayari,” he said.

Go also personally visited Baterbonia’s wake to express his condolences and extend assistance to the athlete’s family.

He said Baterbonia’s story was particularly meaningful to him as a fellow Mindanaoan and longtime basketball enthusiast.

Go said the young athlete’s death should serve as a painful reminder of the need to protect the dreams and future of young Filipinos who dedicate themselves to sports.

“The loss of Bobet’s young life is a painful reminder of dreams and futures suddenly cut short by a tragedy that could have been prevented,” Go said.

He emphasized that no achievement can replace a life lost and that stronger safeguards are needed to ensure that young athletes can pursue their dreams in a safe environment.

“Indeed, a lost life is a lost life forever. Hindi na po natin maibabalik ito. Walang makapapalit sa mga pangarap, pagkakataon, at kinabukasang nawala,” Go added.