HOUSE Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto on Monday said that Congress increased the budgets for two child feeding programs of the government from P7.48 billion last year to P10.89 billion.

The funding for the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program rose to P5.69 billion from P3.32 billion last year or an increase of P2.37 billion.

“DepEd will not only feed the mind, but the body as well. Nutrition impacts learning. Para magkalaman ang isipan, dapat may laman ang sikmura,” Recto said.

DepEd said that 1.7 million learners will benefit from the program.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will get P5.2 billion for its Supplementary Feeding Program, up by P1.04 billion from last year’s P4.16 billion.

The amount will be enough to feed 1,754,637 children age two to five.

“That is almost 200 million meals served, by DSWD alone,” Recto pointed out.

“In effect, VP Inday and Secretary Rex, in addition to what’s on their plates, will have to play the role of master chefs in this nationwide catering operation,” he said. “In addition to helping children lacking in food and nutrition, the two programs can be leveraged into helping local farmers and food producers.”