Second National Communications In discussions with the PHO in Bohol, they have also embarked on additional adaptation mechanism; that of giving the directly observed treatment (DOTs) for schistosoma infection where the health worker will physically supervise patients in taking the medicines (akin to the tuberculosis DOTS) so that patient compliance and drug resistance can be monitored. They have their own medical fund (raised from the mayors and governors funds) for the drugs that will be used in the treatment and are given to the indigent farmers and their dependents. Meanwhile in another development, it was also reported that dysentery/cholera has been happening in the province at some intervals of years. The most recent was in January 2007 where the DOH recorded 186 cases from 39 of the 67 barangays in the municipality of Loon. They noted that there was contamination of the water supply following rains in the low lying municipalities. Adaptation done was to do chlorination of the water supply and well as treatment of the cases. Health education was also given to the population and it was noted to be in control after 2-3 weeks. 4.3 Surigao Surigao del Norte is located in the Caraga region XIII in Mindanao. The province consists of two major islands—Siargao and Bucas Grande. The population of the province in 2007 was 409,468. It has a land area of 1,972.9 sq. kms. The City of Surigao is a 2nd class city and the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte. The 2007 census records it to have a population of 132,151 people. The total land area of the city is 245.34 sq. km. It has a population density of 207.5/sq km. 25