There are approximately 73,214,742 acres of public land in the
Philippine Islands.
Of this area 41,029,900 acres are considered suitable for agriculture,
while the total area applied for as homesteads, lease, and sale
concession amounts to only 3,159,712 acres. There are still 37,870,188
acres of agricultural domain that have not yet been appropriated.
In the Province of Cotabato alone on the great Island of Mindanao,
there are still 3,578,169 acres of agricultural public land not
yet occupied nor applied for, and in the Province of Samar, one of
the Visayan group, 2,524,388 acres. In the Island of Mindanao and
the Sulu Archipelago may also be found some of the most suitable
agricultural lands for growing rubber, hemp, coconut, rice, tobacco,
and other staple products, which are available to the farmers at
practically no expense. The various modes of acquiring public land
are explained below.
Homestead.--Any citizen of the Philippine Islands or of the United
States, over the age of 18 years, or the head of a family, who does not
own more than 59 acres of land in the Philippines may enter a homestead
of not exceeding 59 acres of agricultural land of the public domain.
Upon the filing of an application and approval thereof by the Director
of Lands, possession may be taken of the land applied for upon payment
of $5 as entry fee.
The certificate or patent is issued after the land has been improved
and cultivated. The period granted by law to homesteaders for the
improvement and cultivation of their claims is from two to five years
from and after the date of the approval of the application. After an
applicant has complied with all the requirements of the law and the
regulations promulgated in accordance therewith, he will be entitled
to a patent upon payment of an additional amount of $5, thus making
the total homestead fee $10; and small as this amount is, the law
gives the homesteader the option to pay for it in annual installments.
Sale of public land.--Any citizen of lawful age of the Philippine
Islands or of the United States, and any corporation or association of
which at least 61 per centum of the capital stock or of any interest in
said capital stock belongs wholly to citizens of the Philippine Islands
or of the United States may purchase any tract of public agricultural
land of not to exceed 247 acres in the case of an individual and 2,530
acres in that of a corporation or association. Citizens of countries
the laws of which grant to citizens of the Philippine Islands the
same right to acquire public land as to their own citizens, may,
while such laws are in force, but not thereafter, with the express
authorization of the Legislature, purchase any parcel of agricultural
land, not in excess of 247 acres.
Lands sold in this way must first be appraised by the Director of Lands
with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources
and then sold at public auction. An individual may purchase as much
as 247 acres of land and a corporation 2,530 acres and, in addition,
lease 2,530 acres.
Lease of public lands.--Another manner of occupying public land
is by leasing it. The same conditions required for citizenship of
individuals and corporations for the purchase of public lands are
laid down regarding leasing public lands, the only exception being
that an individual may lease as much as 2,530 acres whereas under
the law he may purchase only 247 acres.
The annual rental of lease must be at least equal to three per cent of
the appraised valuation of the land, which is subject to reappraisal
every 10 years from the date of the approval of the contract. Lease
contracts run for 25 years but may be renewed for another period of
not to exceed 25 years. In case the lessee shall have made important
improvements which, in the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture
and Natural Resources, justify a renewal of the lease, a further
renewal for an additional period not to exceed 25 years may be granted.
Friar lands.--The Philippine Government has another kind of land
holdings commonly called "Friar Lands." These were formerly estates
belonging to the religious corporation which were acquired by the
Government for $7,239,784.16.
Any person of legal age may purchase not to exceed 39 acres of the
"Friar Lands" estate. A corporation duly registered in the Philippine
Islands may purchase as much as 2,530 acres.
Payment for the land may be made in full at the time of the purchase
or in annual installments. If purchased on the installment plan the
purchaser is allowed 12 years in which to pay the purchase price,
beginning January first of the year following the purchase, plus
interest of four per cent per annum on the unpaid balance.
After the purchaser has paid for the land applied for by him in full
a deed is issued in his favor.