Ateneo de Manila University has established two Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds in honor of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.
The funds will provide financial assistance to deserving student-athletes from outside Metro Manila. Ateneo’s Office of Admission and Aid will administer the scholarships.
The University announced the establishment of the two funds on July 16, 2026, through Memorandum U2627-016. Ateneo described the funds as both a tribute to Divine and Rene and a commitment to create opportunities for future young Eagles.
Important update: Ateneo has confirmed the purpose and intended beneficiaries of the funds. However, as of July 20, 2026, the University has not publicly announced a separate application form, scholarship amount, list of covered expenses, or application deadline specifically for these two funds.
Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds at a Glance
| Scholarship detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds |
| University | Ateneo de Manila University |
| Number of funds | Two |
| Established in honor of | Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia |
| Announcement date | July 16, 2026 |
| Intended beneficiaries | Deserving student-athletes |
| Geographic priority | Students from outside Metro Manila |
| Administrator | Ateneo Office of Admission and Aid |
| Scholarship amount | Not yet publicly announced |
| Separate application form | Not yet publicly announced |
| Application deadline | Not yet publicly announced |
| Official inquiry contact | development@ateneo.edu |
| Official announcement | Ateneo Memorandum U2627-016 |
What Is the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Fund?
The Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Fund provides educational financial assistance to qualified student-athletes who want to study and represent Ateneo de Manila University.
The July 2026 announcement actually created two separate funds:
- A fund established in honor of Divine Adili
- A fund established in honor of Rene Baterbonia
Both funds share the same publicly announced purpose: helping deserving student-athletes from outside Metro Manila access an Ateneo education.
The funds are intended to preserve the names, spirit, and contributions of Divine and Rene by supporting future generations of Ateneo student-athletes.
Who Were Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia?
Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia were student-athletes remembered by the Ateneo community.
Ateneo established the scholarship funds as a continuing tribute to their lives and the joy they brought to Ateneo athletics. Rather than limiting their remembrance to a ceremony or memorial, the University created funds that can support future student-athletes.
The University explained that the funds would allow their legacy to continue by opening doors and supporting the dreams of young Eagles who follow them.
This article avoids publishing unverified biographical or incident details out of respect for the students and their families. Readers seeking information about Ateneo’s institutional response can consult the University’s official statements.
Who Is Eligible?
Ateneo’s official memorandum identifies two core eligibility characteristics.
Applicants must be:
- Deserving student-athletes
- From outside Metro Manila
These are the only fund-specific qualifications publicly confirmed by Ateneo as of July 20, 2026.
The University has not yet published the minimum grades, qualifying sports, financial-income limits, athletic performance standards, or year-level restrictions for these funds.
What Does “Deserving Student-Athlete” Mean?
Ateneo has not published a fund-specific definition.
In practice, an athletic scholarship evaluation may consider factors such as:
- Athletic performance and competitive record
- Potential to contribute to an Ateneo varsity team
- Academic performance
- Admission qualifications
- Character and conduct
- Coach or athletic program evaluation
- Financial circumstances
- Commitment to training and team responsibilities
- Ability to satisfy University and league requirements
The final criteria will be determined by Ateneo and the fund’s administrators. Participation in high school sports alone does not automatically qualify someone for an athletic scholarship.
What Does “From Outside Metro Manila” Mean?
The official announcement says that each fund will support deserving student-athletes who “hail from outside Metro Manila.”
This normally suggests that the student’s permanent home, school, or family residence is located outside the National Capital Region. However, Ateneo has not yet published a precise residency definition for these funds.
Applicants with circumstances such as temporary residence in Metro Manila, provincial family residence, boarding-school attendance, or recent relocation should ask the Office of Admission and Aid for clarification.
Do not assume that birthplace alone determines eligibility.
Which Sports Are Eligible?
Ateneo has not published a fund-specific list of qualifying sports.
Ateneo’s athletic programs include various men’s and women’s varsity teams, but inclusion in a University sports program does not automatically mean the new funds have available awards for that sport.
Possible considerations may include:
- Current team needs
- Available athletic roster positions
- Coaching staff evaluation
- Scholarship resources
- Applicant’s competitive level
- University admission
- UAAP or other applicable eligibility rules
Prospective applicants should communicate with Ateneo through official channels rather than relying on an unofficial coach, recruiter, social media account, or private sports agent.
Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Benefits
The official memorandum confirms that the funds will provide financial assistance, but it does not specify the amount or expenses covered.
Depending on Ateneo’s final award structure, athletic financial assistance could potentially cover one or more of the following:
- Tuition
- School fees
- Books and academic materials
- Dormitory or housing expenses
- Meals
- Transportation
- Athletic equipment
- Training-related costs
- Other educational expenses
These are possible forms of assistance, not confirmed benefits of the two new funds.
Applicants should not describe the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship as a full scholarship until Ateneo publishes the official coverage or issues an individual award letter.
Is It a Full Scholarship?
Ateneo has not stated whether either fund will provide full or partial assistance.
The actual award may depend on:
- The student’s assessed financial need
- Available money in the relevant fund
- Athletic evaluation
- Tuition and other educational expenses
- Assistance received from other sources
- Conditions established for the fund
- University policies
Only the recipient’s official scholarship offer can confirm the percentage and expenses covered.
How to Apply for the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Fund
Ateneo has not yet released a separate application form for these two new funds.
Based on the University’s current structure, prospective student-athletes should follow both the admission and athletic evaluation processes.
Step 1: Contact Ateneo through an official channel
Start by asking whether applications or nominations for the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds are currently being accepted.
For admission and student financial aid questions, contact the Office of Admission and Aid:
Email: admissions@ateneo.edu
Telephone: +63 2 8426 6001, extensions 5154 and 5155
Direct line: +63 2 8426 6075
For questions specifically about the establishment or administration of the new funds, Ateneo’s memorandum gives:
Email: development@ateneo.edu
Students should use the admission email for applicant questions. The development email is particularly relevant to donors and people seeking information about the funds.
Step 2: Complete the Ateneo college application
An athletic scholarship does not replace the University’s admission process.
Applicants should complete the correct Ateneo college application and submit:
- Personal information
- Academic records
- School information
- Recommendations
- Required essay or written responses
- Identification documents
- Other applicant-specific requirements
Follow the official Ateneo application schedule for your intended entry year.
Step 3: Complete the required entrance examination
Take the Ateneo College Entrance Test when required for your applicant category.
Athletic ability does not automatically remove academic or admission requirements. Scholarship applicants must follow the instructions issued by the Office of Admission and Aid.
Step 4: Prepare an athletic profile
Although Ateneo has not published fund-specific requirements, a prospective student-athlete should prepare an organized athletic record containing:
- Full name and contact information
- Current school
- Sport and playing position
- Height and other sport-relevant information
- Team history
- Major tournaments and competitions
- Awards and recognitions
- Recent performance statistics
- Coach’s name and official contact details
- Competition videos or highlight reel
- Full-game footage when available
- Academic grades
- Expected graduation date
Keep the profile factual. Do not exaggerate rankings, awards, playing time, or statistics.
Step 5: Seek evaluation by the appropriate athletic program
Athletic scholarship decisions normally require an evaluation of whether the applicant can contribute to an Ateneo team.
A coach or authorized athletics representative may review:
- Technical ability
- Physical preparation
- Competitive experience
- Team fit
- Development potential
- Academic readiness
- Character and discipline
A recommendation from a coach does not necessarily equal a final admission or scholarship offer.
Step 6: Submit financial information if requested
Because the new funds provide financial assistance to “deserving” student-athletes, Ateneo may request financial information.
Possible requirements may include:
- Financial Aid Questionnaire
- Parents’ or guardians’ income records
- Income Tax Return
- Employment certificate
- OFW employment contract
- Household expense statement
- Information about dependents
- Explanation of unusual financial circumstances
Wait for Ateneo’s official instructions before sending sensitive financial records. Do not send tax returns or bank documents to an unofficial recruiter or social media account.
Step 7: Monitor official communication
The Office of Admission and Aid administers the funds. Scholarship and admission communications should come through official Ateneo channels.
Check:
- Your application portal
- Registered email
- Spam folder
- Ateneo’s scholarship page
- Ateneo athletics announcements
- Official admission notices
Documents Prospective Applicants Should Prepare
The following checklist can help prospective applicants prepare while waiting for fund-specific instructions.
Academic documents
- Recent report card or transcript
- School certification
- Graduation information
- Awards and academic distinctions
- Admission application documents
Athletic documents
- Athletic résumé
- Coach’s recommendation
- Tournament records
- Performance statistics
- Certificates and awards
- Competition footage
- Training history
- Team roster confirmation
Identification and residence documents
Because the funds prioritize students from outside Metro Manila, Ateneo may request proof of residence.
Useful documents may include:
- Valid identification showing the address
- School record
- Barangay certificate
- Utility bill in the parent’s or guardian’s name
- Certificate of residency
- Other documents requested by Ateneo
These are preparation suggestions, not a confirmed official document list.
Financial documents
- Parent or guardian Income Tax Return
- Certificate of Employment and Compensation
- Business registration or income records
- OFW employment contract
- Proof of unemployment or non-filing
- Household Income and Expense Statement
Submit these documents only through an authorized Ateneo process.
How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Candidacy
Maintain strong academic performance
Student-athletes are students first. Good academic performance shows that the applicant can handle university coursework while meeting training and competition demands.
Provide complete athletic evidence
A short highlight reel can attract attention, but it should be supported by:
- Full competition footage
- Verifiable statistics
- Tournament information
- Coach references
- Clear identification of the applicant in the video
Demonstrate consistency
One strong game is less persuasive than sustained performance over several competitions.
Show improvement, reliability, training discipline, and the ability to contribute to a team.
Communicate professionally
Use a clear subject line when contacting Ateneo, such as:
Inquiry: Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Fund – Volleyball Applicant from Cebu
Keep the message brief and include:
- Full name
- Current school and province
- Sport and position
- Graduation year
- Main athletic achievements
- Link to an athletic profile
- Specific question about the official process
Avoid mass-emailing coaches
Contact only the appropriate Ateneo office or relevant team. Repeatedly messaging unrelated staff members can make the application appear disorganized.
Verify every claim
Ateneo may contact coaches, schools, leagues, or tournament organizers. Only include awards and statistics that can be verified.
Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship vs. Regular Ateneo Financial Aid
| Feature | Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds | Ateneo Financial Aid Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Deserving student-athletes | Students with demonstrated financial need |
| Geographic priority | Outside Metro Manila | Not limited by the new fund’s provincial priority |
| Athletic evaluation | Expected to be important | Not normally required |
| Administrator | Office of Admission and Aid | Office of Admission and Aid |
| Published benefit amount | Not yet announced | Depends on financial aid assessment |
| Separate fund application | Not yet announced | Financial Aid Questionnaire required |
| Admission required | Yes | Yes |
Students who need assistance should not depend exclusively on an athletic award. They may also qualify for Ateneo’s regular financial aid, subject to University rules.
Read the complete Ateneo Scholarships and Financial Aid guide for other options.
You can also review the broader guide to Ateneo Memorial Scholarship Funds to understand how donor-supported scholarships work.
Information for Donors
Ateneo invites people seeking additional information about the two funds to contact its Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs.
Official contact: development@ateneo.edu
Prospective donors should ask Ateneo about:
- How to contribute to either fund
- Whether donations can be designated for Divine Adili or Rene Baterbonia’s fund
- Available payment methods
- Official receipts
- Recurring donations
- International donation channels
- Donor recognition
- Fund reporting
- Tax documentation
Only use payment instructions issued directly by Ateneo. Do not transfer donations to an individual student, unofficial collector, personal bank account, or social media fundraiser claiming to represent the University.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming that applications are already open
The funds have been established, but Ateneo has not yet published a fund-specific application announcement.
Claiming a guaranteed full scholarship
The University has not disclosed the amount or coverage.
Contacting the families directly
The funds are administered by Ateneo. Scholarship inquiries should go to the University.
Financial records should only be submitted through an authorized Ateneo portal or official process.
Ignoring college admission requirements
Athletic ability does not replace the University’s admission process.
Paying a recruitment or reservation fee
Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee a roster position or scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Fund?
It refers to two Ateneo scholarship funds established in honor of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia. The funds will help deserving student-athletes from outside Metro Manila.
How many funds did Ateneo establish?
Ateneo established two Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds, one honoring Divine Adili and the other honoring Rene Baterbonia.
Who can qualify?
Ateneo’s announcement identifies deserving student-athletes who come from outside Metro Manila as the intended beneficiaries.
Is there an application form?
As of July 20, 2026, Ateneo has not publicly released a separate application form specifically for these two funds.
How much is the scholarship?
The University has not yet announced a fixed scholarship amount or coverage package.
Is it a full scholarship?
That has not been confirmed. Assistance may be full or partial depending on Ateneo’s final rules, available funds, and the recipient’s award.
Which sports are included?
Ateneo has not published a fund-specific list of eligible sports.
Can Metro Manila students apply?
The official announcement specifically says the funds will assist student-athletes from outside Metro Manila. Metro Manila students can still explore Ateneo’s general athletic scholarships and financial aid programs.
Who administers the funds?
The Ateneo Office of Admission and Aid will administer both funds.
Where should applicants send questions?
Applicants can contact the Office of Admission and Aid at admissions@ateneo.edu.
Where should donors send questions?
Ateneo’s official memorandum directs fund inquiries to development@ateneo.edu.
Do student-athletes still need to apply for admission?
Yes. Scholarship support does not eliminate the University’s admission requirements.
Can a coach guarantee the scholarship?
No individual should promise a guaranteed scholarship. Final decisions must come through Ateneo’s authorized process.
Final Checklist for Prospective Student-Athletes
- Confirm that your permanent residence is outside Metro Manila.
- Prepare your academic records.
- Create a factual athletic résumé.
- Collect verified performance statistics.
- Prepare competition and full-game footage.
- Ask your coach for a professional reference.
- Complete the Ateneo admission application.
- Take the ACET when required.
- Contact the Office of Admission and Aid for the official fund process.
- Do not claim unannounced benefits.
- Do not pay a recruiter or reservation fee.
- Monitor Ateneo’s official announcements.
Official Sources and Contacts
- Official Blue Eagle Athletic Scholarship Funds announcement
- Ateneo Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Ateneo Athletics
- Office of Admission and Aid
Applicant inquiries: admissions@ateneo.edu
Fund and donor inquiries: development@ateneo.edu
Telephone: +63 2 8426 6001, extensions 5154 and 5155