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Philippine Red Cross honors volunteer Jose Ian Ho, the Cebu earthquake hero who died saving his son
Philippines
National
Philippine Red Cross honors volunteer Jose Ian Ho, the Cebu earthquake hero who died saving his son
Philippine Red Cross honors volunteer Jose Ian Ho, the Cebu earthquake hero who died saving his son
Published Oct 7, 2025 01:34 pm
A FATHER'S FINAL ACT OF LOVE. Philippine Red Cross volunteer Jose Ian Ho is remembered for his courage and selfless sacrifice after dying while protecting his son during the Cebu earthquake. (Photo from PRC)
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is mourning the loss of Jose Ian R. Ho, a dedicated volunteer who died protecting his son during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu Province last month.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon and Secretary General Gwen T. Pang visited Ho’s wake on October 4, expressing condolences and honoring his years of service.
Both leaders described the visit as a deeply emotional moment, remembering Ho not just as a volunteer but as a man whose life embodied courage, compassion, and redemption.
A father’s ultimate sacrifice
On the night of the earthquake, September 30, PRC said Ian had just returned home from Red Cross duty in Bogo City.
FROM REDEMPTION TO HEROISM. PRC volunteer Jose Ian Ho found purpose through service and made the ultimate sacrifice saving his son in the Cebu earthquake. (Photo from PRC)
At around 9:59 p.m., tremors rocked the province, severely damaging Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio. When PRC Bogo chapter tried to reach him for duty recall, he could no longer be contacted.
Rescue teams later discovered a scene that captured the true essence of heroism — Ian’s body shielding his 14-year-old son, protecting him from the collapsing debris.
The boy was found embraced by his father, a heartbreaking but powerful symbol of love and sacrifice, PRC said.
Honoring a lifelong servant
During the visit, Gordon and Pang presented Ian’s family with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his dedication and selfless service.
“We are grateful for Ian’s service to the Philippine Red Cross,” said Gordon. “I first met him during Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, when Cebu was also badly hit. His passion for helping others was admirable,” he added.
Throughout his years with the Red Cross, PRC said Ian served in multiple roles — as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Response Unit (ERU) member, Lifeguard Instructor, and First Aid Instructor.
Philippine Red Cross leaders Richard Gordon and Gwen Pang pay tribute to volunteer Jose Ian Ho, whose life of service and ultimate sacrifice embody the Red Cross spirit of humanity and heroism. (Photo from PRC)
His colleagues remember him as someone who always volunteered for difficult missions, from typhoons to rescue operations, PRC added.
Finding redemption through the Red Cross
According to his mother, Ian’s journey was not just about heroism — it was also about transformation.
Before joining the Red Cross, Ian faced personal struggles and uncertainty.
Volunteering gave him renewed direction and purpose: to serve humanity in times of crisis.
Ian left behind his mother, a daughter, and twin sons.
Citing Ian’s mother, PRC said shared his life story was “not just a story of heroism it was also a story of hope and second chances.”
“Before he joined the Philippine Red Cross, Ian was groping in the dark, his life having no clear direction. He found redemption when he joined the Philippine Red Cross,” PRC said.
“His life changed for the better. Being part of the Red Cross gave him direction and purpose, to serve those in need especially in moments of disasters. His decision to join the Red Cross gave him hope to live a life of mission,” PRC added.
Remembered for his bravery, compassion, and redemption through service, Philippine Red Cross, led by Chairman Richard Gordon, mourns volunteer Jose Ian Ho, who died while shielding his son during the Cebu earthquake. (Photo from PRC)
The Philippine Red Cross is the country’s foremost humanitarian organization, dedicated to providing emergency response, disaster relief, and health services across the nation.
Guided by its mission of “Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” the PRC, along with its volunteers, remains at the forefront of humanitarian work during calamities and crises.