I wish to be clarified on getting just compensation for our property which was developed as part of the national highway linking Zamboanga City to the rest of Mindanao.

The property was acquired by my father some time 1963, as evidenced by the date inscribed on the title.

The moment it became his, he has introduced developments by planting rubber trees thereat with the help of laborers whom he paid salaries for doing the job, and foremost, did not miss paying his tax dues on the property.

The highway project of the government claimed 10,512 sq. ms. of this property, and to this time has not been compensated yet.

Are we entitled to a just claim for the area affected by the project?

Please advise with reference to Homestead Law.