ALL EIGHT UAAP member schools expressed their condolences and solidarity with the Ateneo de Manila University community following the passing of Blue Eagles men’s basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In separate statements, universities across the collegiate league offered prayers for the victims’ families, teammates, coaches and the entire Ateneo community after the two student-athletes died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Baler, Aurora on June 8.
The University of Santo Tomas said its thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Blue Eagles and the entire Ateneo community during what it described as a time of profound grief.
“The University of Santo Tomas extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles Men’s Basketball Team,” the University said.
The De La Salle University Green Archers Men’s Basketball Team highlighted the “profound bond of camaraderie” among student-athletes, saying it joins the UAAP and the rest of the sporting community in mourning the tragic loss of Baterbonia and Adili.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers” are with the Ateneo community and the loved ones of the two players, the Green Archers said.
Adamson University also mourned the passing of the two student-athletes, expressing its sincerest sympathies to their families and affirming that it stands with the Ateneo community in prayer.
Meanwhile, the FEU Athletic Department extended its “deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences,” saying it grieves with the victims’ families, friends, teammates, coaches and the Ateneo community while standing in solidarity with the Blue Eagles.
The NowheretogobutUP from the University of the Philippines joined Ateneo in mourning, describing Baterbonia and Adili as young lives “full of promise and purpose” and extending its prayers to their families, loved ones, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The University of the East slso expressed its deepest sympathies, saying the passing of the two student-athletes is a profound loss not only to Ateneo but also to those who believe in education, sportsmanship, and service.
“Our hearts go out to the Baterbonia and Adili families, and to the entire Ateneo community,” the NU Bulldogs Basketball program said in its statement, adding that it stands with the Blue Eagles in grief, love, and solidarity.
The messages from UAAP member schools came a day after Ateneo confirmed the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, prompting an outpouring of support from the collegiate sports community. F
