Act No. 2874

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 29, 1919

Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison (1913-21) approved the second Public Land Act (Act No. 2874) that hastened the disposition of public agricultural lands by introducing the system of land classification and increased the homestead area of 16 hectares to 24 hectares. 

The law provided that citizens of the Philippine Islands or of the United States, over 18 years of age or head of a family, who did not own 24 hectares of land, might enter a homestead not to exceed 24 hectares in area. 

Individuals can purchase up to 100 hectares of public land and up to 1024 hectares in the case of corporations provided that 61% of the capital stock of which, however, had to be owned by citizens of the Philippine Islands or the United States. 

Leases were limited to 1024 hectares for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years. 

The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources through the Director of Lands has the executive authority for the enforcement of the law.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: digital.commons.nys.edu