Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2635

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO “ARMAN” R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT

INSTITUTIONALIZING STANDARDS FOR RELATED LEARNING
EXPERIENCES (RLE) IN NURSING EDUCATION, PROHIBITING THE
COLLECTION OF RLE FEES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
(SUCs) AND LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (LUCs), AND
PROVIDING FUNDING SUPPORT THROUGH THE COMMISSION ON
HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Nursing is a profession rooted in care and compassion. But for many aspiring
Filipino nurses, the journey toward this noble calling is made more difficult by the cost
of their education, especially the burden of paying for Related Learning
Experiences (RLEs).

RLEs are not optional. They are a vital, mandated part of the Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum, as required by CHED Memorandum Order No.
14, Series of 2009. These hands-on clinical experiences are what prepare nursing
students to confidently and competently serve in hospitals, communities, and other
real-world healthcare settings.

Yet, despite the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary
Education Act (RA 10931), which guarantees free tuition and other school fees in
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs),
many nursing students are still charged fees for RLEs. These can include expenses for
training, transportation, insurance, and fees charged by diinical sites. For students


from low-income families, these added costs are not just inconvenient—they are
barriers that put their dreams and futures at risk.

This bill seeks to put an end to the collection of RLE-related fees from
students enrolled in SUCs and LUCs. It ensures that these institutions will be able to
implement their RLE programs by submitting projected costs to the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), which may be funded through the institution’s regular
budget or UniFAST allocations.

At the same time, this measure recognizes the financial struggles of nursing
students in accredited private higher education institutions by expanding
eligibility for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to help cover their RLE
expenses.

By standardizing how RLEs are delivered and financed across both public and
private institutions, this bill strengthens our commitment to a more inclusive,
equitable, and accessible nursing education. More importantly, it ensures that
our country’s future nurses, especially those coming from poor and working-class
families, are supported every step of the way.

We also recognize the similar efforts being pursued in the Senate by Senator
Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, who has long championed the welfare of
students and the strengthening of our healthcare workforce.

This measure is more than just about policy. It is about ensuring that no student
is left behind simply because they cannot afford to practice what they are being trained
to do. If we truly value our nurses, it must begin with valuing their education—and
removing the hidden costs that stand in their way.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

‘TTY. Wi DOR
Representative,

QIMAGUILA, JR.
trict of Bifian


yaueuns

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2635

Introduced by Representative WALFREDO “ARMAN” R. DIMAGUILA, JR.

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING STANDARDS FOR RELATED LEARNING
EXPERIENCES (RLE) IN NURSING EDUCATION, PROHIBITING THE
COLLECTION OF RLE FEES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCs)
AND LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (LUCs), AND PROVIDING
FUNDING SUPPORT THROUGH THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
(CHED)

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Libreng RLE Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the declared policy of the State to protect and
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and to take appropriate
steps to make such education accessible to all, pursuant to Article XIV, Section 1 of
the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Consistent with this mandate, and recognizing the
crucial role of Related Learning Experiences (RLE) in nursing education, the State shall
institutionalize standards for RLE and ensure that no additional financial burden shall
be imposed on nursing students in the country for the conduct of such activities.


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Sec. 3. Coverage. — This Act shall apply to:

a. All SUCs and LUCs offering nursing education programs duly recognized by
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

b. All private higher education institutions (HEIs) with CHED-accredited
nursing programs; and

c. All nursing students enrolled in recognized nursing education programs in
the Philippines.

Sec. 4. Standards for Related Learning Experiences (RLE). — CHED shall
institutionalize and enforce standards for the conduct of RLEs. These standards shall
guarantee the provision of quality clinical instruction and learning environments,
adequate clinical partnerships, and competent supervision of nursing students.

Sec. 5. Prohibition on Collection of RLE Fees in SUCs and LUCs. - No SUC or
LUC shall collect fees or charges from nursing students for the conduct of RLEs that
are part of their approved academic program. All RLE-related expenses shall be
considered part of the tuition or institutional costs charged to the government through
the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).

Sec. 6. Budgeting and Funding of RLE in SUCs and LUCs. — All SUCs and LUCs
offering nursing programs shall submit projected RLE expenses to CHED annually.
CHED shall evaluate and consolidate these for inclusion in its annual budget proposal
to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Approved funding shall be
disbursed to SUCs and LUCs through UniFAST or other designated CHED mechanisms.

Sec. 7. Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for Nursing Students in Private
HEIs. — Nursing students enrolled in accredited private HEIs may apply for assistance
for RLE-related expenses under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program
pursuant to Republic Act No. 10931. TES guidelines shall be updated to include RLE
fees as allowable costs.

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Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, CHED, in coordination with DBM and UniFAST, shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amounts necessary to implement the provisions of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the
CHED budget and UniFAST Fund.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional
or invalid, the remainder of the provisions shall not be affected.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,