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Ateneo Launches Scholarship Fund To Honor Blue Eagles 40 Days After Tragedy
FILE
Ateneo de Manila University commemorated the 40th day since the passing of Blue Eagles athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili by launching a scholarship fund in their honor, as the university community continues to mourn their loss and strengthen efforts to support those affected by the tragedy.
The Ateneo community gathered for a Holy Mass led by University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, who reflected on the significance of the 40-day period in the Christian tradition. He described it as a time of trial, reflection, and renewal, while recognizing that the university community continues to grieve the loss of the two student-athletes.
The university said it remains committed to accompanying the families of Baterbonia and Adili in their journey of mourning while continuing to provide support to students, coaches, and other members of the community affected by the incident.
Ateneo also reaffirmed its commitment to fully cooperate with authorities investigating the tragedy. At the same time, the university said it is continuing its institutional review of existing policies and safety measures as part of its response to the incident and its efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As part of its long-term commitment to preserving the legacy of the two athletes, Ateneo announced the establishment of the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds. The scholarship program aims to honor Baterbonia and Adili by helping future generations of Ateneo student-athletes pursue their education while carrying forward the values, dedication, and spirit they exemplified.
The June 8 tragedy occurred during a team-building activity in Tanay, Rizal. The incident prompted investigations by government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which earlier directed the university to explain the circumstances surrounding the activity and review its safety protocols.
Ateneo said the 40th-day observance serves as another step in the university's journey toward healing, emphasizing that the memory of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili will continue to live on through prayers, support for their loved ones, and concrete actions that will benefit future student-athletes.
The Ateneo community gathered for a Holy Mass led by University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, who reflected on the significance of the 40-day period in the Christian tradition. He described it as a time of trial, reflection, and renewal, while recognizing that the university community continues to grieve the loss of the two student-athletes.
The university said it remains committed to accompanying the families of Baterbonia and Adili in their journey of mourning while continuing to provide support to students, coaches, and other members of the community affected by the incident.
Ateneo also reaffirmed its commitment to fully cooperate with authorities investigating the tragedy. At the same time, the university said it is continuing its institutional review of existing policies and safety measures as part of its response to the incident and its efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As part of its long-term commitment to preserving the legacy of the two athletes, Ateneo announced the establishment of the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds. The scholarship program aims to honor Baterbonia and Adili by helping future generations of Ateneo student-athletes pursue their education while carrying forward the values, dedication, and spirit they exemplified.
The June 8 tragedy occurred during a team-building activity in Tanay, Rizal. The incident prompted investigations by government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which earlier directed the university to explain the circumstances surrounding the activity and review its safety protocols.
Ateneo said the 40th-day observance serves as another step in the university's journey toward healing, emphasizing that the memory of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili will continue to live on through prayers, support for their loved ones, and concrete actions that will benefit future student-athletes.
Jul 17, 2026
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