House Speaker Martin Romualdez hopes that the Philippines would have "more Rizals as citizens".

Romualdez has this to say Friday, Dec. 30, on the occasion of Rizal Day, or the 126th death anniversary of revered Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

“This is my hope, that the Philippines will have more Rizals as citizens: patriots in government, in business, in the scientific community, and in all spheres of excellence. Tularan natin ang ehemplo ni Rizal at gamitin natin ang ating talento, kaalaman at karunungan para sa ikauunlad ng bayan (Let us emulate Rizal's example and use our talents, knowledge, and wisdom in moving the country forward)," he said in a statement.

“As we commemorate the death of our hero Jose Rizal, we celebrate the life of the man who fathered this nation, and we honor the legacy he left behind: one of nationalism, love of country, a strong sense of duty, and living excellently," the Speaker said.

Romualdez further described Rizal as "the Filipino ideal, the great example of how we should be living our lives as citizens".

The Leyte 1st district congressman further extolled the great polymath Rizal.

“Aside from his strong sense of nationalism, he was also a great contributor to the nation that he dreamt of building. Not only was he a patriot, but he was also a novelist, ophthalmologist, historian, engineer, educator, painter, journalist, playwright, farmer, and inventor,” Romualdez added.

“He lived as an excellent citizen, and he died a patriot and a hero to his countrymen," he further said of Rizal, who was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna.

Nation-building, Romualdez continued, requires hard work and sacrifice, and Rizal is a fine example of a good citizen contributing to the betterment of the country.

Rizal also proved that one can pursue many dreams simultaneously with the right amount of passion and motivation, the House leader pointed out.