CAGAYAN de Oro City — A new sports dormitory in Cabantian is being built to give young athletes a place to stay, train and keep up with school.
AMSAI-Cabantian Sports and Athletics Department broke ground Sept. 14 for Bahay ni Rene, a dormitory named after late youth basketball player Rene “Bobet” Clert Baterbonia.
The project is meant to carry on Baterbonia’s legacy by supporting student-athletes as they juggle classes and daily training.
His family joined school officials, coaches, project partners and varsity athletes during the foundation stone-laying ceremony.
For the athletes, the project goes beyond providing a roof over their heads. The support built around Baterbonia’s memory has also helped varsity teams receive training equipment, meals and other daily needs.
School officials at the ceremony included Vice President for Academics Dr. Vicky Bantillo, Preschool and Elementary Principal Carles Lie Geloca, Junior and Senior High School Principal Emelyn Iaturgo and Sports Coordinator Janelle Estrada.
Head coaches Ruel Abellera and Plebee Mangua also attended the event.
Once completed, Bahay ni Rene is expected to provide student-athletes with a safe and structured place to live while they pursue their studies and compete in sports.
For Baterbonia’s family and the athletes who will benefit from the project, his name will live on not only in memory, but in the opportunities given to the next generation of young players.
