CHED Supports 19,000 Health Students with Grants

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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has launched the Allied Health Experiential Assistance for Deserving Students (AHEAD) Grant, aimed at reducing costs associated with mandatory clinical training for students in allied health programs across the Philippines. Rolled out on May 25, the program seeks to alleviate the financial burden of hospital rotations, internships, and community placements necessary for graduation and certification. As part of this initiative, a ₱500-million fund will aid approximately 19,000 students enrolled in crucial health programs such as nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy.

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This move follows concerns regarding the high costs students face in completing Related Learning Experience (RLE) requirements, expenses often surpassing tuition fees and not fully supported by existing scholarships. CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted the initiative's importance, noting it was championed alongside Senator Bam Aquino during budget discussions. "Many of our students, particularly in nursing, were being forced to stop due to these prohibitive costs," Agrupis noted, underscoring the program's necessity.

Senator Aquino emphasized that students were obliged to pay between ₱20,000 to ₱80,000 annually for RLE, significantly straining their financial capacities. Aligning with the Human Resources for Health Philippine Masterplan 2020–2040 and the Universal Health Care Act, the AHEAD Grant targets the strengthening of the national healthcare workforce, which is crucial for ensuring sustainable healthcare services. CHED urged educational institutions and students to connect with their local CHED offices for application details, signifying the program's operational phase.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 26 May 2026