Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to allow nursing students under the Free College Law to use their Tertiary Education Subsidy for related learning experience (RLE) expenses.
He noted that RLE costs remain a major burden for financially struggling students.
He explained that the RLE, equivalent to on-the-job training, is a required component for nursing graduates and often causes students to drop out due to high costs.
Aquino said using TES for RLE needs aligns with CHED guidelines, which allow financial aid to cover food, books, and other education-related expenses, even for students in private institutions.
He proposed adding a special provision in the 2026 national budget to cover RLE expenses and said it would significantly help aspiring nurses.
Aquino has also filed Senate Bill No. 123 to make RLE free in state and local universities and to allow private nursing students to apply for TES assistance specifically for RLE costs.
