University of Perpetual Help System Dalta formally immortalized the contributions of Rene “Bong” Hawkins by retiring his jersey No. 12 in a simple ceremony at the Home of the Altas Gym II inside the school’s Las Piñas campus on Friday.

The 58-year-old Hawkins, who led the Altas to contender status in the late 1980s, was emotional as he expressed his gratitude to the school, especially to its owners — the Tamayo family — in the event that wrapped up the school’s University Week that was part of its 50th founding anniversary celebration.

His No. 12 is the second Altas jersey number to be retired after Scottie Thompson’s No. 6 in 2023.

Honoring Hawkins’ contributions to the Altas were Perpetual president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, vice president for Sports Anton Tanayo and school director Dr. Arnaldo de Guzman.

“It is my honor and pride to be one of the athletes to have a jersey retirement like this. I am truly grateful to the Tamayo family, especially Sir Tony, Ma’m Daisy, Sir Anthony, our president, Anton Tamayo, vice president for sports, for this honor,” Hawkins said before a huge crowd composed of students, teachers, alumni and school officials.

True enough, words can’t express Hawkins’ contributions to the Altas.

In fact, he led them to the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1989, but bowed to San Sebastian College that was powered by Eugene Quilban in a best-of-three finals series.

He was eventually drafted by Presto Tivoli as the second overall pick in the 1991 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft, kicking off a colorful professional career that gave him eight titles, including a rare grand slam with Alaska in 1996.

All in all, he finished his 15-year PBA career as a two-time Mythical Team member, Most Improved Player and Finals Most Valuable Player before eventually entering the Hall of Fame.