THE SENATE has unanimously adopted a resolution honoring the life, legacy, and remarkable contributions of late student-athlete René Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia.

Senate Resolution No. 472, sponsored by Senator Robinhood Padilla, recognized Baterbonia’s achievements in Philippine sports, his dedication to his family and country, and his exemplary character as a young Filipino athlete.

In his sponsorship speech, Padilla said a person’s true measure is not only defined by medals and trophies but also by the lasting impact, inspiration, and example they leave behind.

“This is Bobet’s legacy. He showed that there is no small province and no humble beginning for a person willing to work hard to achieve his dreams,” Padilla said.

Padilla recalled Baterbonia’s journey from humble beginnings in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where he grew up as a proud Manobo and a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Through perseverance and dedication, Baterbonia rose to become the 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player, an ASEAN School Games gold medalist, and a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“Through Senate Resolution No. 472, we are not only remembering an outstanding athlete. We are also honoring every young Filipino who chooses to work hard, remain disciplined, and use their talent to bring honor to their family and our country,” Padilla said.

Several senators co-sponsored the resolution, including Senators Camille Villar, Christopher “Bong” Go, Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar.

Villar described Baterbonia’s life as a testament to perseverance, saying his story reflected the dreams of many Filipinos striving to uplift their families through hard work and discipline.

Go and Villanueva, both known for their support of basketball, also called for a review of existing safety measures for student-athletes.

Go renewed his call for the creation of a National Student-Athlete Safety Code to strengthen protection for young athletes.

Hontiveros, meanwhile, remembered Baterbonia as “just a kid with a big dream,” while quoting the late athlete’s own words as she expressed her support for the resolution.

Before the measure was adopted, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri placed on record the chamber’s condolences to the family of Divine Adili, Baterbonia’s Ateneo teammate who also died in the June 8 team-building tragedy in Dipaculao, Aurora.

The Senate unanimously approved Resolution No. 472, taking into consideration Senate Resolution No. 449, which honors both Baterbonia and Adili.

A copy of the approved resolution was presented to Baterbonia’s parents, Rene Sr. and Rovelyn Baterbonia, who were present at the Senate gallery.

Baterbonia, 19, and Adili, 21, drowned during an Ateneo men’s basketball team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Through the resolution, the Senate paid tribute not only to Baterbonia’s accomplishments in sports but also to the determination, discipline, and aspirations he embodied for young Filipinos nationwide.