BY Wednesday, our beloved country marked a significant milestone in its history as we commemorate our 126th year of independence from Spanish colonial rule. Celebrated as a public holiday, it is an opportune time to reflect on freedom and independence. However, as we reflect on the journey that has led us to this point, it is crucial to acknowledge the profound changes that have taken place in the concept of freedom itself.

In 1898, the Philippines gained independence from Spain after a long and arduous struggle. This freedom was hard-won and marked a significant turning point in the country's history. Moreover, the freedom that existed back then is vastly different from the freedom we enjoy today. The freedom of 1898 was largely limited to the physical realm, where the Philippines was able to break free from the shackles of colonial rule and establish its sovereignty.

Fast forward to the present, and we see that freedom has evolved and transformed significantly. The advent of digital technology has not only expanded the scope of freedom but has also transformed its very essence. Today, freedom is not just about physical independence but also encompasses the realm of information, communication and expression taken to the digital level. The age of technology has enabled people to access and share information globally, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and global citizenship.

Nowadays, it is not anymore a question of which (local) company you will be joining but rather which country you will be working in, as more and more countries adopt digital nomad visas to lure employees from all over the world to fuel the local economy. This option that can be exercised now is totally non-existent back then due to sheer limitations. Such is not the case anymore.

As businesses and organizations allow for remote work or work from home arrangements, the sky is the limit when it comes to your physical location in performing your work. It doesn't matter anymore where you are for as long as you fulfill your obligations and deliverables. This is the freedom that we have these days, the freedom that we have acquired in the process largely due to technology and the legislative laws that make this possible, making Filipinos increasingly independent.

Despite these changes, there are certain commonalities that remain between the freedom of 1898 and the freedom we enjoy today. At its core, freedom is about the ability to make choices and live life on one's own terms. Whether it is the freedom to express oneself, to access information, or to connect with others, the fundamental principles of freedom remain the same. Rightly so, as our Constitution safeguards our fundamental rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

It then becomes essential and imperative to continue protecting this hard-won freedom. As the world has become smaller and more interconnected, it is crucial that we safeguard our freedom from the threats of misinformation, censorship, and online harassment, among others. By doing so, we can ensure that the freedom we enjoy today remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.

Businesses and organizations can contribute to this independence by being global-citizen-ready, be it as far as providing attractive physical locations is concerned, or work arrangements that may be done remotely. In fact, many apartments and condominium buildings in our islands, such as Boracay, Siargao and La Union, have converted their business models to cater to this demand.

Happy Independence Day, Pilipinas.

Kay Calpo Lugtu is the chief operating officer of Hungry Workhorse, a digital and culture transformation firm. Her advocacies include food innovation, nation-building and sustainability. The author may be reached at kay.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com.