MANILA, Philippines — Rovelyn Baterbonia said the public support their family is getting following the death of her late son Rene Clert (also known as "Bobet"), is giving her the strength to stand strong for her six other children.
The 18-year-old, 6-foot-4 cager drowned during the Ateneo de Manila men's basketball team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora last week.
“Losing a child is not easy, but you have shown me that I must continue to stand strong here for my six other children," said Rovelyn, addressing the crowd in Cebuano Tuesday outside the EOC Basketball Court Gym in Prosperidad --- one of the stops of Rene's funeral convoy during his transfer from Davao City to his hometown Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
The gym served as the playing venue of the Palarong Pambansa secondary boys basketball about three weeks ago, when Rene played his last competitive basketball game, helping Ateneo de Davao to a runner-up finish.
"It is painful, but I hope the Lord will help me gradually accept it. And I also hope Bobet will help me find the strength to accept that he is now at rest," said Rovelyn.
There was nothing short of support for Rene and his family as people flocked the sidewalks to see his funeral convoy headed to Talacogon.
A water salute was even held when his convoy traversed the San Francisco municipality.
Rene's remains are open for public viewing at the Talacogon gym, where standees and artworks inspired by Bobet are displayed.
Bobet's Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles jersey no. 35 as well as his Ateneo de Davao's jersey no. 2 are displayed on his casket, too.
Ateneo de Davao has retired Bobet's jersey to honor his contributions to the school's basketball program.
Rene will be laid to rest on June 24.
