MANILA -- The World Bank said on Thursday that it has approved two projects to improve transport connectivity and boost health services in mostly the southern Philippines' Mindanao region.

According to the bank, at least 19 million Filipinos are expected to benefit from the two projects.

The first project is a $454.94 million Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project that will provide access to the Mindanao region's cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos.

The project will finance rehabilitating and upgrading the 428.2 km main road corridor linking the three cities hosting key ports and airports in Mindanao.

The second project is a $495.6 million Philippines Health System Resilience Project that will enhance climate-resilient healthcare networks, improve workforce and governance, and promote high-quality health services at the provincial level.

The second project will prioritize 17 provinces with low healthcare access capacity, benefiting 17.9 million people, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Eleven of these provinces are in Mindanao.