SENATOR Bam Aquino urged CHED to allow nursing students under the Free College Law to use their Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to cover Related Learning Experience (RLE) expenses.

Aquino said the move would ease the financial burden on nursing students, for whom RLE costs remain a major obstacle and a key reason for dropouts.

RLE, equivalent to on-the-job training, is a requirement for graduating nursing students.

“Alam natin na ang ating nursing students may added burden sa kanila, which is the RLE—related learning experience na for many, sometimes that’s the reason why they drop out,” Aquino said. He is also chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Aquino explained that allowing TES for RLE expenses aligns with CHED guidelines, which provide financial assistance under the Free College Law for food, books, living costs, and other education-related expenses. TES also supports students in private colleges and universities.

He proposed including this provision in the 2026 national budget specifically for nursing students.

“Ibukas natin itong TES sa mga nursing students para sa RLE. Alam ko naman iyong TES for any expense needed by students, but once we indicate that it can be used for RLE, it will be a big help for them,” Aquino emphasized.

The issue was raised by nursing students during his 2025 senatorial campaign, highlighting the high cost of RLE. Aquino filed Senate Bill No. 123, which seeks to make RLEs free in SUCs and local universities. Under the proposal, nursing students in private universities may also apply for TES assistance for RLE-related expenses.