Atenean graduate Andriana Nepacina, who shared a tribute to her father following her graduation, denied accusations that her post was a form of “damage control” for the university amid the deaths of two student-athletes.
The student, who recently earned her baccalaureate degree from Ateneo de Manila University, defended her post against claims that it was a “move” intended to allegedly sanitize the school’s reputation following the deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
“To those saying my post was for ‘damage control,’ it wasn’t. I drafted it in April 2026, right after our school year ended, to honor my father and the OAA, who gave me a scholarship,” Andriana wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
OAA, or Ateneo’s Office of Admission and Aid, was responsible for granted her a scholarship to study at the university.
“I’m grieving too and want accountability. Please don’t direct your anger toward us students,” Andriana said.
To those saying my post was for “damage control, ” it wasn’t.
I drafted it in April 2026, right after our school year ended, to honor my father and the OAA, who gave me a scholarship.
I’m grieving too and want accountability. Please don’t direct your anger toward us students. https://t.co/Kh6ZWvlrBy
— bunny (@happybeadel) June 23, 2026
When Andriana’s story was posted on the platform by the “Team AMDG” account, some online users speculated that it was uploaded as part of a “damage control” amid criticisms against the university following the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili.
Pa, mula sa bawat balot ng cotton candy, nakapagtapos ka ng isang Atenista.💙🎓
Maraming maraming salamat, Office of Admission and Aid at Ateneo sa pagbibigay sa akin ng pagkakataong makapag-aral sa pamamagitan ng scholarship.
– Andriana Nepacina pic.twitter.com/4sS7CCnu5O
— Team AMDG (@TeamAMDG) June 23, 2026
“Overtime na ang Ateneo Damage control,” an online user wrote before.
“Damage control ba ituu,” another commented.
Andriana paid tribute to her father, a cotton candy vendor, in a June 22 post, crediting his hard work for helping send her to university and allowing her to pursue her dreams.
She said that every bag of cotton candy he sold on the streets of Antipolo City and around a nearby seminar helped support her education and put her through college.
Andriana also thanked Ateneo for giving her the opportunity to study in its halls and allowing her to “live a dream that once felt impossible.”
She shared that she is the first college graduate in her family and the first member of their clan to graduate from Ateneo.
ALSO READ: Atenean graduate honors father, cotton candy vendor, for helping her finish college
Meanwhile, the Ateneo community previously earned criticisms, including from some of its graduates, for its “slow” response to the drowning incident on June 8 that claimed the lives of Baterbonia and Adili.
Tab Baldwin, the resigned coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles who initiated the team-building activity, where the incident occurred, addressed the tragedy days later. He later resigned from his post.
School officials said their initial silence was intended to respect the grieving families, adding that the university “chose direct, involved action for the families and the members of the team” instead of issuing public statements.
“The few public updates were not because we did not care for the bereaved families. We believe — and continue to believe — that public relations or institutional noise should not intrude upon a family’s grief,” Ateneo President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, said in a press conference.
“We are truly sorry for not being quick at informing the public of the developments, which has led to perceptions of inaction. We focus on being present for the grieving families in their darkest hour,” he added.
Baterbonia’s remains were laid to rest in his hometown of Agusan del Sur on Wednesday, June 24.
Meanwhile, Adili’s remains arrived in Nigeria, his home country, on Thursday, June 25.
Ateneo said Adili’s remains will be received by Ateneo representatives, the Jesuits in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being reunited with his loved ones.
The university is observing a 40-day mourning period for their deaths, with the Ateneo flag flown at half-mast and masses to be held daily for their souls.
