Disasters used to be unpredictable but the changing landscape of cities due to fast-paced urbanization carries signs of predictable and preventable disasters. Urbanization likewise intensifies impacts of and increases vulnerability of communities to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcano eruptions. Davao City, a fast-growing economy in southern Philippines, echoes the same narrative of urbanization from overflowing landfills to water shortage to air pollution and climate change-related concerns. But two decades ago, a local NGO’s initiative to protect the city’s future water source in a rural upland community turned out to be a strategic move for the disaster resilience of the whole city. By focusing on sustainable watershed management, the NGO eventually covered all other environment and climate change-related issues due to the ridge-to-reef approach and comprehensive strategy in conserving water. Through innovative policy advocacy and partnership building, the NGO has been instrumental in the passage and implementation of major environmental policies that not only protect water for the city but also ensures sustainability in the city’s urban planning and development.