BAI Foundation to Host First-Ever Celebrity Golf Tournament to Support Cebu’s Vulnerable Communities

CEBU CITY – The Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation is set to host its inaugural BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Tournament of the South, a charity golf event aimed at raising awareness and funds for individuals struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness in Cebu. The tournament will take place on April 4 to 5, 2025, at the Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.

A Mission to Uplift Lives

Established in 2011, the BAI Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rehabilitation and support for vulnerable individuals. In partnership with Safehaven Recovery Village, the foundation offers personalized treatment programs to help individuals regain stability and rebuild their lives.

Despite its ongoing efforts, challenges remain in raising public awareness and support. BAI Foundation Executive Director Lito Gruet, who has personally battled addiction in the past, emphasized the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse.

“It was frustrating at first,” Gruet shared. “Many people misunderstand these struggles and often dismiss or ridicule those suffering. Our mission is to change that mindset and provide real solutions.”

Having overcome addiction himself, Gruet has spent the past 25 years as a drug abuse resource speaker and 11 years as a rehabilitation director. His dedication to the cause has fueled the foundation’s continued efforts to make a meaningful impact in Cebu.

Golfing for a Cause

The BAI Golf Tournament is expected to bring together celebrities, golf enthusiasts, local government officials, and corporate sponsors to support the foundation’s advocacy. The event will feature well-known personalities such as Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Cesar Montano, Gary Estrada, Vince Hizon, and Pat Sugui, among others.

“Celebrities have a strong influence. Their involvement helps us reach more people and grow the foundation’s impact,” said Gruet.

Beyond raising funds, the event aims to spark greater community engagement. BAI Foundation leaders Ronnie Delos Santos and Lito Gruet envision the tournament as the first step in an ongoing initiative to sustain the foundation’s programs.

“This isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a long-term movement to ensure we have the resources needed to continue our mission,” Delos Santos emphasized.

Transforming Cebu, One Step at a Time

The BAI Golf Tournament is part of a broader initiative to create a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive Cebu. By advocating for rehabilitation and social reintegration, the foundation hopes to restore dignity to those struggling with homelessness and mental illness.

“Our goal is to help clean the streets of Cebu—not just physically, but by giving people a chance to rebuild their lives,” Gruet said. “A better Cebu benefits not only those we help but the entire community.”

How to Support the Initiative

The BAI Foundation encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to take part in its cause. Interested parties can visit www.battleagainstignorance.com for more information.

Stay updated by following them on:
Facebook: @baifoundation
Instagram: @bai_foundation

The BAI Golf Tournament aims to bring hope to Cebu’s most vulnerable.