On June 19, 2026, the Ateneo de Manila University became a focal point of emotional upheaval as students grappled with the aftermath of the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. These events ignited a passionate response from the community, marked by a walkout demanding institutional accountability.
Ava Dumaup, a third-year AB Communication student and volunteer for the Research and Data unit at Rappler, found herself deeply intertwined with the unfolding narrative. The assignment transformed from a mere reporting task to a personal mission to articulate the collective grief and frustration within her community.
The Emotional Complexity of Community
It became increasingly difficult to draw a clean line between myself as a journalist and as a student. The story we had been entrusted to tell was, in many ways, our own.
Ava Dumaup, Student Journalist
The day's events revealed two narratives coexisting on campus. Graduating students in their togas participating in the protest highlighted a juxtaposition of celebration and dissent. Here, joy from academic achievements met the sobering reality of loss, illustrating that true loyalty to an institution can sometimes mean demanding accountability rather than blind support.
The atmosphere on campus signified a community unwilling to turn away from its responsibilities. Rather than splitting into factions of defenders and critics, those present demonstrated a shared commitment to a better Ateneo. Their combined voices insisted on engagement and accountability, pushing back against apathy.
Dumaup ended her day feeling emotionally drained yet hopeful. Instead of witnessing a community fragmenting, she observed resilience and a collective determination to confront shortcomings. This moment of crisis revealed the strength of community ties, suggesting that love for one’s institution fosters a drive for improvement.
Ultimately, the profound mix of anger and hope at Ateneo serves as a reminder that communities are often defined not just by agreement, but by their response to adversity. As students and faculty rally together, they embody the belief that genuine care for a place often means demanding it lives up to its ideals.