With proper guidance, treatment, and rehabilitation, a drug addict or anyone dealing with any addiction or mental issues can find hope, faith, and transformation. BAI Foundation said, “We do what we do to promote awareness of the ill effects of drug use and abuse, poor parenting, and harmful family dynamics on individuals.”
This belief led Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation, and Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, to organize the first-ever BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South, which will take place on April 4-5, 2025 at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.
A Safe Space for the Broken, Wounded, and Lonely Individuals
Founded in 2011, BAI Foundation is a non-profit organization in Cebu dedicated to supporting individuals who are broken, hurting, or suffering from addiction and depression. In collaboration with Safehaven Recovery Village, the foundation provides personalized treatment plans, offering a second chance at life for those living in vulnerable circumstances.
While BAI Foundation has made great strides in helping countless individuals, there is still much more to be done. Lito Gruet admits, “It was frustrating in the beginning because we had a noble cause, but nobody seemed to pay attention. People knew about those living on the streets, but instead of understanding their struggles, they were often mocked or mistreated.”
Having once struggled with addiction himself, Lito understands these challenges firsthand. “I lived on the streets, but by God’s grace, I recovered. I eventually became a rehab director for 11 years and a drug abuse resource speaker for 25 years. This is my way of giving back.”
Golf for a Meaningful Cause
Ronnie and Lito’s passion for helping others is unwavering, but they acknowledge that they cannot achieve their goals alone. Collaboration is key. Lito explains, “One of the best ways to gain support is to involve celebrities. With their tremendous following, they can help raise awareness and inspire others to support our cause.”
To kick off the tournament, BAI Foundation has invited a star-studded list of A-list celebrities and golf enthusiasts, including Tonton Gutierrez and wife Glydel Mercado, Cesar Montano, Gary Estrada, Vince Hizon, and Pat Sugui.
In addition to the celebrity participants, local government units, key stakeholders, and corporations are rallying behind the event, contributing to the success of the tournament.
As Ronnie looks ahead, he is filled with hope and motivation: “The reason we’re holding this tournament is to raise funds and resources that will allow us to do more. This isn’t just about having fun; it’s about a continuing commitment to the people we serve.”
A Beautiful Cebu for Everyone
The BAI Golf Tournament marks just the beginning of BAI Foundation’s efforts to make Cebu a safer, more welcoming place for all. Through this event, the foundation aims to spark curiosity and interest in its work, creating a ripple effect of goodwill and community support.
“We want to help clean up Cebu of street dwellers, mendicants, and those struggling with mental health issues. By doing so, we will restore their dignity and, in turn, highlight Cebu as a clean, beautiful destination where everyone is welcome,” says Lito.
With these efforts, BAI Foundation seeks not only to improve the lives of marginalized individuals but to uplift the city as a whole.
To learn more about BAI Foundation and how you can get involved, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
