THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHED) will begin releasing ₱25,000 in Related Learning Experience (RLE) grants to 19,000 nursing and allied health students in the first week of October, Sen. Bam Aquino said.

During Friday’s CHED budget hearing, Aquino sought a definite timeline from CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis for the release of the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant, which is funded by a ₱500-million allocation under the 2026 national budget.

Agrupis said CHED had finalized the program guidelines and received the Special Allotment Release Order on Sept. 9. The agency is now awaiting the Notice of Cash Allocation before it can disburse the grants.

She committed to releasing the first batch of grants in the first week of October, with succeeding batches to follow through November.

CHED received 60,424 applications for the program, of which 28,071 applicants qualified. However, only 19,000 slots are available.

Aquino also urged CHED to ensure that its proposed ₱35.45-billion budget for 2027 provides students with adequate assistance beyond free tuition.

He said support should also cover transportation, food, school supplies, internships, and RLE expenses to help students complete their college education.