LAS PIÑAS CITY — The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta is set to retire the Altas No. 12 jersey of Rene “Bong” Hawkins Jr. on Feb. 20, 2026, at the Home of the Altas Gym 2 in Las Piñas City.
The ceremony is part of the school’s university week celebration and its 50th foundation anniversary.
Joining Hawkins in the ceremonial hanging of the jersey at the gym’s rafters are university president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, vice president for sports Anton Tamayo and school director Dr. Arnaldo de Guzman.
Hawkins, now 58 years old, is the first Altas product to have a successful professional basketball career. He was included in the 50 Greatest Players of PBA.
He was also named the PBA Finals MVP in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup and an eight-time PBA champion for Alaska.
He won the PBA Most Improved Player award in 1994 and was named to the PBA All-Defensive Team in 1994 as well as the PBA Mythical First Team in 1995 and 1996.
Known as “The Hawk” by basketball fans, Hawkins suited up for Perpetual Help in the NCAA from 1984 to 1989 under head coach Roberto Littaua.
He led the Altas to the NCAA men’s basketball finals in 1989 but lost to the San Sebastian Golden Stags in the best of three series.
Hawkins was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni in Sports at the 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming on Feb. 7, 2026, along with Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Thompson was the first Altas varsity player to have his jersey number (6) retired by the school.