Sixto K. Igisomar
ACTING Department of Public Lands Secretary Sixto Igisomar reiterated the conditions of homestead permits during the Senate Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigation Committee’s public hearing on his nomination Tuesday on Rota.
He said DPL understands that the revocation of village homestead permits causes real distress not only for the permittee but also for their family and the community.
“On small islands like ours, land is tied to identity, family…and future aspirations,” he said, adding that permit revocations “must be approached with great care, as such actions carry emotional, cultural and social weight.”
He said that under the current regulations, a permit is subject for revocation when the homestead lot is clearly abandoned and/or not maintained. He noted that homestead permits are issued to qualified individuals of Northern Marianas descent for the purpose of establishing a permanent residential home.
If a village homestead has infrastructure, Igisomar said the permittee must meet all applicable requirements to be issued a deed, including completing a single-family residential dwelling — otherwise, the permit will be revoked.
But the law also requires DPL to waive the requirement to complete a single-family residence if the homestead area lacks water, power or sewage system infrastructure.
In a homestead area with no infrastructure, Igisomar said a deed can be issued if the permittee remains in compliance with all other requirements, including documentation that the homesteader has maintained the lot for a three-year period.
“There have been concerns, and even drama, surrounding this issue, and that is why I am echoing it again today…. We will continue to educate our community to promote clarity, fairness and transparency in the homestead process,” Igisomar said.
Igisomar at the same time expressed gratitude to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang for their confidence in him, adding that he was deeply humbled by the responsibility entrusted to the department.
“The stewardship of our public lands is fiduciary responsibility owed first and foremost to the people of the NMDs. This responsibility requires us to prioritize the allocation of homestead lots and management of public lands for their direct benefit, while also safeguarding the long-term sustainability and integrity of these lands for future generations,” Igisomar said.
He recognized that public lands are not only a resource, but a legacy for the indigenous people of the CNMI, and that DPL’s decisions must honor both “the needs of today and the rights of generations to come.”
He reiterated his commitment to work closely with lawmakers and the people to expand homestead access, strengthen land management practices and ensure that public land leases are administered equitably and in accordance with law.
Public officials and members of the community, for their part, expressed support for his appointment as DPL secretary.
A former senator and Commerce secretary, Igisomar also served as DPL secretary during the previous administration.
Aside from the EAGI chair, Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, the other committee members present at the public hearing on Rota were Senate Vice President Karl King-Nabors, Senate Floor Leader Donald M. Manglona, Sen. Jude U. Hosfchneider, Sen. Ronnie Calvo and Sen. Manny Gregory T. Castro.
