By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Public Lands’ homestead division yesterday reminded homesteaders that their permits will be revoked if they fail to comply with the program’s terms and conditions.
Homestead division director Jerome K. Aldan said DPL is conducting monthly inspections to check if all the homesteaders are keeping their homestead lots clean, have houses built, and are really staying in them.
He said they will conduct another inspection on Jan. 26.
According to Aldan, once they find that the homesteader has either abandoned or failed to build a house on the lot, they will recommend the revocation of the homesteader’s permit.
The program’s terms and conditions can be summed up in three words, he said: “Clean, build and stay.”
Aldan said DPL is trying to strictly enforce the rules to make sure that homesteaders are staying on their homestead lots.
He added that those who haven’t complied with the conditions but are showing some effort to do so will be given more time by DPL.
Aldan said they are focusing now on taking back homestead lots that have been abandoned.
“This means that there is no development, no progress or no sign of effort on the part of the homesteader, he said.
He added, “It’s very hard to revoke permits for homestead lots because we’re dealing with people’s lives but we have no choice but to be strict in this matter.”