That’s exactly what the BAI (Battle Against Ignorance) Foundation is doing with the BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South on April 4-5, 2025, at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates. This isn’t just another event—it’s a movement to create awareness about addiction, mental health struggles, and the importance of family support in healing and recovery.
A Safe Space for the Wounded
Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation has been doing the work since 2011, helping individuals struggling with addiction and depression. They partner with Safehaven Recovery Village to offer personalized treatment plans, helping people rebuild their lives.
Lito Gruet, BAI’s Executive Director, knows firsthand what it’s like to hit rock bottom. A former addict himself, Lito turned his life around and has since spent 25 years as a drug abuse resource speaker and 11 years as a rehab director. He gets it—the pain, the stigma, the struggle. And that’s exactly why he and BAI Foundation President Ronnie Delos Santos are determined to make a difference.
But here’s the hard truth: no matter how noble their cause, it’s not easy to get people to pay attention. Lito recalls how frustrating it was in the beginning, “Everyone knew about the taong grasa, the unstable individuals on the streets. People either ignored them or made fun of them. No one really understood why they were there.”
This tournament is about changing that.
Celebrities and Golf for a Cause
To keep the mission going, BAI Foundation needs more people to care, more people to support, and more people to spread the word. That’s where the power of influence comes in. Lito and Ronnie knew that getting celebrities involved would help bring attention to their advocacy. That’s why they’ve invited A-list celebrity golfers like Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Cesar Montano, Gary Estrada, Vince Hizon, and Pat Sugui—all big names who are lending their voices (and their swings) to this important cause.But it’s not just the celebrities stepping up. Local government units, key stakeholders, and corporations are also showing their support, proving that change happens when communities come together.
More Than Just a Tournament
Ronnie and Lito don’t want this to be a one-time thing. “We don’t want this to be just for fun,” says Ronnie. “We want this to be a continuing commitment.”And this is just the beginning. The BAI Golf Tournament is one of many projects in the works to make Cebu a better place for everyone—locals, tourists, and especially those who have been left behind. “By organizing this tournament, we’re not just raising funds,” Lito adds. “We’re creating an opportunity for people to learn about what we do and why we do it.”
Their long-term vision? To help restore the dignity of street dwellers, mendicants, and individuals suffering from addiction and mental health struggles. And in doing so, make Cebu a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming destination.
How You Can Help
If this story moves you (and it should!), there are ways to get involved. You can support BAI Foundation by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.For more details, visit their website at www.battleagainstignorance.com or follow them on social media:
Facebook: BAI Foundation
Instagram: @bai_foundation
This is more than just golf. It’s a chance to change lives. And that’s a game worth playing.
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