Another campaign promise was fulfilled for Bam Aquino as the Related Learning Experience (RLE) financial assistance program was formally launched on Monday by the Commission on Higher Education through the AHEAD (Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students) grant.
Aquino helped secure the P500 million allocation in the 2026 national budget to support the RLE expenses of nursing and allied health sciences students during his time as chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education. The initiative aims to provide financial relief to students who are struggling with the costs associated with clinical training and internship requirements.
CHED AHEAD Grant to Support 19,000 Students
In a Facebook post, Aquino shared that around 19,000 qualified allied health sciences students may receive a one-time ₱25,000 RLE subsidy through the AHEAD grant. The program was introduced to help students complete their required Related Learning Experience and clinical internship programs without the heavy financial burden often linked to these academic requirements.
“Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga nursing at allied health students na matagal ding nag-alala kung paano mababayaran ang kanilang Related Learning Experience (RLE) at clinical internship fees habang nagsasanay para makapaglingkod sa bayan,” Aquino announced.
The subsidy is expected to help ease the financial challenges faced by future healthcare professionals while they complete the practical training required for graduation. RLE programs are considered a critical part of nursing and allied health education because they provide students with hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
Bam Aquino Addresses High RLE Costs for Future Healthcare Professionals
During the 2025 senatorial campaign, Aquino repeatedly raised concerns about the high cost of RLE programs while meeting with nursing students. He vowed to find solutions to help students manage the expenses tied to clinical internships and training, which are required before they can graduate and pursue professional healthcare careers.
The launch of the AHEAD grant marks a major step toward fulfilling that commitment. The program is designed to support deserving students and encourage more young Filipinos to continue pursuing careers in healthcare despite financial challenges.
“Matagal nating ipinaglaban na mabigyan ng suporta ang ating mga future healthcare professionals, kaya naman napakahalagang hakbang ng paglulunsad ng AHEAD (Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students) grant ng CHED upang mas marami pang kabataang Pilipino ang makapagpatuloy sa kanilang pag-aaral at mas mapalapit sa kanilang pangarap na maging healthcare professionals,” he stressed.
Aquino emphasized the importance of making healthcare education more accessible, especially for students who may struggle to afford internship and training-related expenses. The initiative also reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems for students preparing to enter the healthcare sector.
CHED Launches Online Portal for AHEAD Grant Applications
Aquino also expressed gratitude to the Commission on Higher Education under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis for establishing the program, quickly releasing the guidelines, and developing an online portal where students can apply for the RLE subsidy.
The online application system was formally introduced during the launch event. As part of the ceremony, 10 nursing students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina participated in a ceremonial enrollment through the AHEAD grant application portal.
The launch highlighted the government’s efforts to expand educational assistance programs for students in the healthcare field. Through the AHEAD grant, nursing and allied health sciences students may receive much-needed financial support while completing their training and preparing for future service in the healthcare industry.
With the formal rollout of the CHED AHEAD grant, thousands of students now have access to financial assistance that could help them continue their studies, complete their RLE requirements, and move closer to becoming healthcare professionals in the Philippines.
