By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The mother of late Agusan del Sur basketball standout Rene Clert Baterbonia has appealed to social media vloggers and content creators to respect their family’s privacy during the “kuwarenta dias” commemoration for her son on July 18 at the Labnig Public Cemetery in Talacogon town.
“Kuwarenta dias,” or the 40th day after a person’s death, is a Filipino mourning tradition commonly marked by prayers, Masses, family gatherings, and remembrance. For many grieving families, it is considered a solemn occasion to honor the departed and seek comfort after the loss.
“I am appealing to those who will come here on July 18 not to vlog our personal affairs just to have content. If you want to vlog the event, make it right. Do not make your coverage just to earn money and not really condole with us,” Rovelyn Baterbonia said in an interview with local media at the Talacogon Central Elementary School on Wednesday.
Rovelyn was at the public school to witness the turnover of 11 computers, laptops, and accessories donated by Dr. Carl Balita, founder of the Carl Balita Review Center, one of the country’s large review centers with various programs and branches.
Balita personally delivered the computer sets to the school, fulfilling what the family said was one of Rene’s dreams: to someday give back to his alma mater once he became successful as a professional basketball player.
“As his mother, I am happy that the dreams of my son continue to become a reality,” Rovelyn said, adding that three of her children are currently studying at the same school.
But when asked how she was coping with her son’s death, Rovelyn said she remained deeply in pain.
“I am still not okay until we achieve justice for the death of our son,” she said.
Rene and fellow Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball player Divine Adili died in a drowning incident on June 8 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Reports said the two student-athletes were swept away by waves while in the water.
Their deaths prompted mourning in the sports community and triggered investigations by authorities. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said investigators had interviewed nearly 100 people and reviewed around 1,200 pages of testimonies related to the incident.
Despite her grief, Rovelyn expressed gratitude to Rene’s supporters from different parts of the country and overseas Filipinos who continue to send food, flowers, and messages of sympathy to their family.
“I cannot understand how I feel, if I am happy or sad,” she said.
She shared that one family even went to Talacogon and gave up their planned vacation to Japan just to visit and condole with them.
“Talacogon has become a popular tourist destination because of Rene,” Rovelyn said.
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