BUTUAN CITY – Be strong.

Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane advised the family of Ateneo cager Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia who was laid to rest in his hometown Talacogon, Agusan del Norte on Wednesday, June 24.

Cane hopes justice will be served to Baterbonia who drowned during a team-building activity on June 8 along with a foreign teammate in Aurora.

“I just pray na sana makamit yung hustisya at lalabas ‘yung totoong nangyari sa kanya,” Cane said. (I pray that Rene obtains justice and the truth will come out)

Thousands of people paid their last respects during the last day of the wake and burial of Baterbonia at the Barangay Labnig Memorial Cemetery in Talacogon. Baterbonia became the first person to be interred in the newly established memorial park.

Mourners described Baterbonia as their “inspiration.”

Rovelyn, Baterbonia’s mother, in her message during the wake, thanked the people who condoled, offered prayers, and stood by them in their time of grief.

Talacogon has approved an ordinance declaring June 8 Rene Clert “Bobet” N. Baterbonia Day” in honor of his legacy and contributions to sports development.

Cane said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has granted housing assistance to the family of Baterbonia.

“The National Housing Authority contacted me on behalf of the Baterbonia family. This is the message: Daghang salamat (Thank you very much), NHA!” Cane said in a Facebook post.

“This is to inform you Gov. that, upon the directive of NHA General Manager Joeben Tai, a condominium unit at Madayaw Residences, located at Sierra Madre Road, Bangkal, Davao City, will be granted as housing assistance to the family of Mr. Rene Baterbonia,” the NHA said.

The NHA-Region 9 will visit the Baterbonias to formally inform them of the grant.

A netizen appealed to people to continue supporting the Baterbonias even after the interment.

“To everyone, please don't disappear after the funeral. Check on them. Kumustahin niyo sila (Say hello to them). The days after the burial are often the heaviest, when the visitors are gone and the reality of the loss begins to sink in,” the netizen said in a Facebook post.

“Sana kahit nakalibing na si Bobet (even if Bobet has been buried), we continue to show up for his family. Let's remind them that they are not alone, not just today, but in the weeks, months, and years to come. I know this because grief still visits me from time to time, even after all these years. Loss doesn't end when the funeral does,” the netizen said.