Colonialism. The word itself brings to mind centuries of oppression, the subjugation of indigenous peoples, and the forced appropriation of resources. The Philippines, having experienced over 300 years of Spanish rule and nearly half a century under American control, knows this history all too well. However, as the years have gone by and as the Philippines gained independence, many have assumed that colonialism is a thing of the past. Yet, the reality is that colonialism has simply transformed—adapting itself to a modern world, still influencing the Filipino identity and society in more subtle and insidious ways.

The "nagbagong anyo" or the "new form" of colonialism manifests not in the form of foreign powers sending armies to conquer our shores, but in the way global economic and political powers subtly shape our future. In this new age, the forces that control our economic policies, our culture, and even our politics are no longer just external forces like Spain or the United States. They are multinational corporations, foreign investors, and global entities that, despite no longer holding physical dominion, still maintain a vice-like grip on our resources and decisions.

This modern form of colonialism is marked by economic dependency. The Philippines, despite being an independent nation for more than 70 years, continues to be heavily reliant on foreign investments and loans. While these financial transactions are often hailed as drivers of economic growth, they come at a steep price. Our resources—both natural and human—are often exploited for the benefit of foreign interests. Instead of building a self-sustaining economy, we remain tethered to international economic systems that often prioritize the interests of the rich and powerful nations, not the Filipino people.

The influx of foreign businesses, particularly those from China and the United States, has furthered this subtle colonial hold. While foreign investments are crucial for job creation and development, many of these businesses operate on terms that do little to uplift local industries or provide long-term benefits to the Filipino population. The situation becomes even more dire when we consider the rise in foreign-owned lands and the growing dependence on imports. The Philippines’ agricultural sector, once a stronghold of the nation’s economy, has been crippled by the influence of international corporations who have little interest in nurturing local farmers or ensuring food security. We now find ourselves more reliant on imported goods than ever before, particularly in vital sectors like rice, sugar, and agriculture.

This new form of colonialism extends to cultural imperialism as well. While the Philippines has long prided itself on its vibrant culture, global brands, media, and foreign entertainment dominate our collective consciousness. American movies, foreign fashion, and global brands shape not just our consumption habits but our identities. The result is a nation that often seems disconnected from its rich cultural roots, a people increasingly detached from their traditions in favor of global trends.

In politics, the influence of foreign powers remains ever-present, especially as the Philippines continues to enter into defense and trade agreements that often prioritize external interests over national sovereignty. These deals, while necessary for our security, sometimes come with hidden costs—whether in terms of territorial concessions, military presence, or political influence. Are we truly making decisions in our best interest, or are we allowing ourselves to be pulled by the strings of greater powers?

We must ask ourselves: What does independence really mean in today’s world? While we may no longer face direct colonization, the indirect and modern forms of colonialism present a different, but equally pressing, challenge. The Filipino people must reclaim their autonomy—not just in political terms but also economically, culturally, and socially. We need to shift from being consumers of foreign goods and ideas to being producers of our own destiny.

"Nagbagong Anyo ng Kolonyalismo" is not just a critique of external influences, but a call to action for Filipinos to redefine what true independence looks like in the 21st century. True sovereignty is not merely the absence of foreign rule—it is the ability to make decisions for our people and our country, free from the invisible chains that continue to hold us back.