As the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sto. Tomas Campus marks its 34th founding anniversary, the celebration is not only a remembrance of years passed, but also a tribute to moments when the campus stood firm in service of the people. One such defining moment unfolded on January 12, 2020, when Taal Volcano erupted, displacing thousands of Batangueños and altering lives in a matter of hours.

In the immediate aftermath of the eruption, with Batangas province placed under a State of Calamity, PUP Sto. Tomas responded without hesitation. The campus swiftly opened its doors as an evacuation center, providing shelter to families forced to flee their homes. Its strategic location—accessible from Laguna and the National Capital Region—made it a vital hub not only for evacuees, but also for the steady flow of donations and relief goods coming from various sectors.

Academic life momentarily paused as classes and the planned foundation week were suspended, giving way to a more urgent mission. Classrooms and the campus gymnasium were converted into sleeping quarters, while the canteen and the hallway of the Cultural Building became storage areas, soon filled with mountains of donated clothes and supplies from generous individuals and organizations.

At the heart of the campus response were its students, faculties, and staff. Almost immediately, they organized a volunteer network to assist the local government unit and manage the growing needs of the evacuees. Volunteers worked in shifting teams—receiving, sorting, and distributing donations; coordinating with external volunteer groups; and responding to urgent concerns within the evacuation center.

Amid the efficiency and order was a quiet but powerful story of compassion. Donations poured in, mostly consisting of food, water, and clothing—basic necessities in times of disaster. Yet one simple item was overlooked: pillows. Many evacuees slept with their heads resting on bags, slippers, or the bare floor. Recognizing this, student volunteers devised a solution. Torn and unwearable clothes were collected, shredded, and stuffed into old t-shirts, which were then sewn into makeshift pillows. These handmade pillows were distributed to evacuees—small comforts that spoke volumes of care, empathy, and creativity.

Even in crisis, the campus community understood the importance of morale. Student organizations took initiative in their own ways. The Searcher, the official student publication, diligently documented developments within the campus, keeping the public informed of the situation. Teatro Batangan, the campus drama guild, staged performances to bring laughter and relief to children affected by the disaster. Meanwhile, the Computer Society organized film showings, offering moments of escape and normalcy for evacuees enduring uncertainty. Other academic and non-acedemic organizations poured in their own efforts in easing the campus situation.

The photos from this period—classrooms turned into sleeping spaces, hallways lined with donations, volunteers at work—capture more than a response to disaster. They capture a campus living out its ideals.

In those challenging days of January 2020, PUP Sto. Tomas embodied the very essence of its guiding principles: “Mula sa'yo, para sa bayan” and “The Light of the Nation.” Beyond its role as an academic institution, the campus became a refuge, a service center, and a beacon of solidarity. As the campus celebrates 34 years of service, this chapter remains a powerful reminder that the true measure of an institution lies in how it stands with the people—especially in their darkest hours.