Ateneo marks 40th day of Baterbonia, Adili passing, sets up scholarship fund in their honor

Ateneo de Manila University marked the 40th day since the passing of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili on Friday.

The university held a memorial Mass at the Church of the Gesu, with university president Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ, presiding.

“In his homily, Fr. Bobby shared that forty days is not merely a measure of time, but a period of trial, reflection, and renewal,” Ateneo said in a statement. “For the Ateneo community, it has also been a time of grief and remembrance.”

Ateneo also reiterated its commitment to support those affected by the tragedy, cooperate with authorities in their investigations, and review its institutional efforts in response to the incident.

The university also announced the establishment of the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds in honor of Baterbonia and Adili.

In a memo released on Thursday, Ateneo said the scholarship funds “will provide financial assistance to deserving student-athletes who hail from outside Metro Manila and will be administered by the Office of Admission and Aid, ensuring that Divine’s and Rene’s legacy continues to open doors, lift dreams, and form men and women for and with others.”

“More than a tribute, these Funds are our promise that their names, their spirit, and the joy they brought to Ateneo athletics will live on in the young Eagles who follow them.”

Baterbonia and Adili died on June 8 after drowning during the Blue Eagles' team-building activity in Aurora.

—JKC, GMA News