TINIAN (DPL) — In a long-awaited milestone for land access and agricultural development, the Department of Public Lands successfully conducted a two-day agricultural homestead lottery on Aug. 19 and 20, awarding 240 agricultural homestead lots to qualified residents of Tinian.
The event marked a significant step forward in promoting food security, self-sufficiency, and community resilience through farming. The lottery drew well over 100 attendees on the first day, with more than 50 participants returning on day two to complete the final round of lot selections.
The lottery opened with remarks from Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, the lieutenant governor’s chief of staff, Vinnie Sablan, and Secretary of Public Lands Sixto K. Igisomar. Each speaker reflected on the years of anticipation leading up to this moment and emphasized the critical role of agriculture in ensuring the CNMI’s food sustainability and economic vitality.
“This is more than just land distribution — it’s an investment in our people, our soil, and our future,” said Secretary Igisomar. “We are proud to empower Tinian’s residents with the opportunity to cultivate and contribute to the island’s agricultural legacy.”
Following the speeches, each qualified resident stepped forward to draw their lot number from a designated box. Once drawn, their lot was officially registered, and they were guided to one of the large site maps set up by DPL to view the exact location of their new agricultural homestead.
The lottery was coordinated by DPL’s dedicated team, with support from both Saipan and Tinian staff. The event was spearheaded by Acting Director of the Tinian Office Patricia Rasa and Director of the Homestead Division Irene Torres, whose leadership ensured a smooth and transparent process for all participants
Special thanks were extended to the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs for their invaluable assistance in clearing access roads to the Kastiyu lots, helping ensure safe and efficient entry for future homesteaders.
With the lottery now complete, DPL will begin preparing the necessary permits for each awarded lot. All recipients will be contacted once their permits are ready. At that time, awardees will be required to pay a $100 permit fee and will be scheduled for an on-site visit with DPL personnel, who will personally guide them to their property and identify their lot markers.
DPL extends its heartfelt appreciation to the community for their enthusiastic participation and to the dedicated staff whose tireless efforts made this event a resounding success. “Truly, the success of the lottery is due to the hardworking staff of DPL, uniting as a team to deliver results through years of coordination and collaboration with applicants, agencies, leadership, and other stakeholders,” said Secretary Igisomar.
As DPL continues its mission to expand land access and promote sustainable development across the Marianas, the department also looks ahead to strengthening support for agricultural homestead permittees. Efforts are underway to proactively connect recipients with valuable resources such as NMC-CREES, USDA programs, and other relevant initiatives —whether directly or through strategic partnerships, to ensure long-term success and stewardship.
For more information about DPL, go to https://publiclands.cnmi.gov/.
Tinian residents wait their turn to draw lot numbers.
Tinian Mayor of Edwin Aldan delivers his opening remarks.
Department of Public Lands Secretary Sixto Igisomar speaks prior to the lottery.
Tinian residents log their lots.
Tinian residents wait for the start of the lottery draw.
Tinian residents draw lots.
Assisted by DPL staff member Anthony Tomokane, a Tinian resident looks at the lots drawn on map.
