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Purpose – In the Global South where humanitarian responses to disasters are often hampered by systemic gaps, community-based humanitarian actors play a crucial but underexplored role in mediating aid to vulnerable populations. This study explores the everydayness of humanitarian action through the lived experiences of urban community leaders during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines. Specifically, it sheds light on their engagement with national-level responders, the typologies of humanitarian activities they undertook and the contextual factors influencing their decision-making. Design/methodology/approach – Using a qualitative approach, this study presents interviews with 35 community-based humanitarian leaders in urban poor areas of Metro Manila, Philippines. Analytical themes were developed inductively from the transcripts. Findings – Due to mobility restrictions from quarantine protocols, the typologies of humanitarian action shifted to accommodate arising challenges from pandemic management. Engagement with formal humanitarian actors were premised on pre-existing relationships. The study further reveals that, despite lacking formal training, community leaders utilized preexisting networks of care while subscribing to Filipino communal values of bayanihan (working together), malasakit (care) and pagkakaisa (unity). The findings underscore the need for discourse on the realities faced by community leaders and highlight the importance of holistic and gendered capacity building for effective disaster response in vulnerable communities. Originality/value – This study contributes to understanding the intricate dynamics of humanitarian coordination, particularly in areas where community leaders act as critical intermediaries between their constituents and external support providers and concludes with critical take on localization as a form of community resilience to disaster events.

This qualitative exploration documented the lived experiences of 12 guidance counsellors in Philippine public and private universities. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022), school closures forced counsellors to adapt to new modalities. Through online semi-structured interviews, counsellors shared how they delivered their services via distance/virtual means. Thematic analysis elicited findings on the successes and challenges reported. For successes, new learnings, wider reach of services through online platforms, involvement of faculty members in referrals, and mental health education were highlighted. Meanwhile, challenges included students discontinuing counselling, the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, and lack of manpower. The counsellors provided recommendations for improvement of services moving forward. ... Guidance counsellors on COVID-19 experiences: Distance education successes and challenges by Philippe Jose S. Hernandez, Maria Carinnes P. Alejandria, Rowena S. Guiang, Alvie P. Bergado-Timbangcaya, Jean S. Taypa, Peejay D. Bengwasan, Ma. Francia Sazon-de Chavez, Froilan A. Alipao, Marie Antonette Quan-Nalus, Erin Ceejay Sandoval, Gabriel Angelico Naboa, Ninna Sandra Fernandez, Denise Tumaneng, Kristel May Casimiro, Jolly Anne Gibe, Maria Ana Caterina Alejandria, Jelli Grace Luzano & Jesrinel Generalao is licensed under CC BY 4.0