magulang

Magulang is a native Filipino term that primarily refers to a parent or guardian, typically a mother or father. It can be used for a single parent or, more often, to refer to one’s parents in general. As an adjective, magulang can describe someone who is adult or mature, though in everyday speech the noun sense is more common.

In ordinary usage, phrases such as ang magulang, mga magulang, and ang aking magulang appear in conversation and writing to designate parents. The form magulang ni [name] can indicate a parent linked to a specific child. The term is also encountered in legal, educational, and religious texts where family roles and responsibilities are discussed.

Cultural significance in the Philippines centers on the family as a core social unit. Magulang are traditionally expected to provide care, guidance, and protection, while children owe respect and obedience. The value of paggalang sa magulang—respect for one’s parents—is widely emphasized in Filipino culture and is often linked to filial piety, reciprocity, and support in old age.

Variations and related terms include ina and ama or nanay and tatay for more specific mother and father forms. Magulang remains a flexible, respectful term that underlines kinship and the parental role without specifying gender.