Abstract
<p>This qualitative phenomenological study explored the value orientations that emerged from the recurring thoughts, concerns, and anticipated situations of individuals who experienced medical isolation following a life-threatening illness. Guided by the premise that significant life experiences provide opportunities for individuals to clarify what they consider most meaningful, the study sought to contribute to a more contextualized understanding of human values within human-centered helping professions in the Philippine setting. Thirteen Filipino adults who had recovered from COVID-19 were recruited through criterion purposive sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews conducted during their isolation and recovery periods. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, with inductive thematic saturation guiding data collection and analysis. Five major themes emerged: (1) relational embeddedness and social vulnerability, (2) economic and occupational precarity, (3) meaning-making, learning, and future orientation, (4) experiential reframing and emotional restoration, and (5) transcendence beyond the self. Collectively, these themes indicate that participants' reflections extended beyond concerns about physical recovery to encompass relational, economic, intellectual, experiential, spiritual, and ecological value orientations. The findings suggest that life-threatening experiences provide a meaningful context for exploring human values and support the integration of value-informed, person-centered approaches within social work, healthcare, counseling, education, and other human-centered helping professions.</p>