Ateneo not turning back on Baterbonia, Adili

Forty days after the tragic drowning incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, Ateneo de Manila University reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the memories of Blue Eagles players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili while continuing to support their grieving families.

During a memorial Mass held on Friday, Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap said the university remains focused on helping the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as the players, coaching staff and the entire Blue Eagles community recover from the tragedy.

“Even after 40 days, we are not moving on. We continue to offer care for the grieving families of Rene and Divine, for our players and their families, and for the coaching staff,” Yap said.

“When hearts break, the world too often rushes in, not to help or to heal, but to destroy, debate and to judge. And while all the finger-pointing and harsh judgments were hurtful, we have humbly opted to learn from this painful experience.”

The two student-athletes died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao last June, prompting multiple investigations.

Days after the tragedy, head coach Tab Baldwin and team manager Epok Quimpo resigned from their posts, while the National Bureau of Investigation recommended filing criminal charges with the Department of Justice.

Ateneo is also set to submit the findings of its own private investigation to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines on 24 July as the league continues to determine the Blue Eagles’ participation in Season 89.

Blue Eagles captain Ian Espinosa, who was present during the ill-fated team-building activity, paid tribute to Baterbonia, recalling the excitement he felt when the promising provincial standout committed to Ateneo.

“Bobet, you know, I’m always thrilled whenever I have a new teammate from the provinces because there’s always an instant connection. That’s why I was so happy when I found out you committed to Ateneo,” Espinosa said.

“A lot of people admire you for your talent. What I’ve noticed is that you’re incredibly humble. You’re very approachable and true to who you are.”

As part of its efforts to preserve the legacy of the two student-athletes, Ateneo announced last Thursday the establishment of the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds in honor of Baterbonia and Adili.

“We hope these scholarships will ensure that their names, their spirit, and the values they embodied continue to inspire and support future generations of Ateneo student-athletes. Today’s observance is not the end of our journey, but another step in it,” Ateneo said in a statement.

“May we all continue to honor the memory of Rene and Divine not only through our prayers, but also through our shared commitment to action.”