A lawmaker has called on higher education institutions to strengthen and review safety protocols for students taking part in extracurricular and off-campus activities following the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes during a team-building exercise in Aurora province.
Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos urged universities and colleges to reassess their guidelines on student activities conducted outside campus premises, stressing the responsibility of institutions and supervisors to ensure student safety at all times.
The appeal comes after Ateneo basketball team members Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili drowned on June 8 during a team activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Authorities said the team had been advised about prevailing sea conditions and allegedly proceeded with the activity without supervision, moving around 300 meters away from their lodging site at a resort.
The party-list solon, who sits on the House committee on higher and technical education, said the incident highlights the need to revisit existing protocols governing both on-campus and off-campus student activities, particularly those involving sports teams and organized group events.
She also called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to coordinate with experts and higher education institutions in updating safety standards to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
While expressing concern over reported lapses in supervision, Bernos said accountability must be determined if negligence is proven.
The House is expected to conduct a formal inquiry into the incident as part of broader efforts to review safety practices in student activities nationwide.