House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez highlighted on Sunday, Dec. 30 the timeless influence of de facto national hero Dr. Jose Rizal on Filipinos.

"Ngayong araw, buong puso nating ginugunita ang buhay at kabayanihan ni Dr. Jose Rizal, ang ating Pambansang Bayani," Romualdez said in a statement released on Rizal Day.

(Today, we wholeheartedly commemorate the life and heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero.)

"His ideals of patriotism, courage and commitment to the Filipino people continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the challenges of our time," he said of Rizal, known for novels Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed).

"Sa kanyang mga akda, inilantad niya ang mga suliranin ng lipunan noong kanyang panahon. Ngunit higit pa roon, ipinamulat niya sa atin ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon, pagmamalasakit sa kapwa at ang pagiging makabayan bilang mga pundasyon ng isang malayang bayan."

(He was able to expose in his works the problems of society and of the time. But more than that, he made us understand the importance of education, compassion for your countrymen, and nationalism as the foundations of a free nation.)

"Today, Rizal’s ideals live on in every Filipino who works tirelessly to uplift our nation. Whether in the fields of education, science, governance or public service, nakikita natin ang diwa ng kabayanihan ni Rizal sa bawat Pilipinong naglilingkod para sa ikabubuti ng bayan (we see the spirit of Rizal's heroism in every Filipino who serves for the country's betterment)," Romualdez said of the Philippine revolution figure. 

"Ang tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan ay naipapamalas hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa gawa – sa pagkilos para sa mas maayos at mas maunlad na kinabukasan ng ating bansa," noted the Leyte 1st district congressman.  

(True love for nation is displayed not just with words, but with deeds--with actions that foster a better and more progressive country.)

"Bilang lider ng Kongreso, atin pong sinisiguro na ang mga batas na ating pinagtitibay ay tumutugon sa pangarap ni Rizal na magkaroon ng makatarungan at maunlad na lipunan," he said.

(As the leader of Congress, we always ensure that the laws we author respond to Rizal’s dream to have a just and progressive nation.)

Romualdez further said: "Rizal’s vision of a nation that values education, equality and freedom is the guiding light of our legislative agenda."

"On this day, let us not only remember Rizal’s sacrifice but also strive to embody his ideals. Magsilbi tayong liwanag para sa isa’t isa at magkaisa para sa mas maganda, maginhawa at masaganang bukas," he said.

(Let us be each other's guiding light and let's unite for a better, more comfortable and prosperous tomorrow.)