Manila, June 9 -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday expressed its condolences to the families of two young athletes who recently died from drowning, as it renewed its call for a stronger community-wide culture of water safety across the country.

In a statement, the DOH extended its deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and teammates of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Baterbonia and Adili, both men's basketball players of Ateneo, drowned on Monday during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

"The unfortunate event calls attention to the fact that drowning remains a serious public health concern," the DOH said.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the agency said drowning and subme...