This thesis explores how local community groups in the Philippines manage disasterrecovery and prevent conflicts using the frameworks of community resilience anddispute resolution. The study examines how grassroots initiatives, such as barangaycouncils and NGOs, foster trust, promote equitable resource distribution, andencourage participatory governance. The research reveals that trust-buildingpractices, including regular community meetings and transparent decision-making,strengthen social networks and reduce misunderstandings. Equitable resourcedistribution is critical in addressing disparities and preventing conflicts, withconflict-sensitive approaches particularly effective in regions like the BangsamoroAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Participatory governanceensures the inclusion of marginalized groups, fostering collaboration and creatingrecovery strategies that reflect the diverse needs of the community.

Using document analysis and case studies, this thesis highlights the interconnectednature of resilience and dispute resolution frameworks. These approaches providepractical strategies for reducing tensions, promoting equity, and building long-termcommunity resilience. While the findings are rooted in the Philippine context, theprinciples of trust-building, fairness, and inclusivity have broader applications fordisaster recovery in other regions. Limitations, such as reliance on secondary dataand cultural specificity, are acknowledged, offering pathways for future research torefine these strategies and explore their adaptability across diverse contexts.