This paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for implementing community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) in the Philippines. It outlines the preliminary steps taken to establish collaborative partnerships among researchers, students, community members, and advocacy groups to operationalize CBDRRM in a disaster-prone area within one of the largest urban settlements in the country. Examining local policy frameworks of disaster risk reduction efforts highlights the need to integrate disaster risk management into the broader development agenda to enhance community resilience. Using Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City as a pilot case, the paper provides insights and recommendations on the practical challenges and potentials for implementing CBDRRM at the grassroots level.