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.