Restoring hope
and healing hearts.

The children and youth that come to Kalinga house need hope for their future. And they need healing for hearts that have been broken by abuse, trauma, and neglect.

Kalinga House is a part of Hope for the Island, Inc., a faith-based organization serving the needs of the people of Siargao Island since 2000 (registered in 2001). Kalinga House is just one of ways we offer support to our community. More information about Hope for the Island Ministries (Canadian site) is available here:

www.hopefortheisland.org

Kalinga House Values

Safety, Truth, Healing, Growth, Ministry

Derek and Jennifer Van Ryckeghem

Founders of Hope for the Island and Kalinga House Parents

Hope for the Island began in 1997 with what was supposed to be a short-term mission trip to the Philippines. But for Derek Van Ryckeghem, it quickly became something more. After the rest of his Youth with a Mission (YWAM) team left Siargao Island, he felt a strong calling to stay. Jennifer shared that same passion, and soon after they got married, they packed up and moved to the Philippines.

That first year was anything but easy—filled with challenges, struggles, and physical hardships. But they held onto their vision, and in 2001, Hope for the Island officially became a registered non-profit.

From the start, their mission has been holistic — caring not just for spiritual needs but also for the physical and emotional well-being of the people they serve. By focusing on children, youth, and widows — they’ve helped transform lives and strengthen communities. Along the way, Derek and Jennifer have also mentored local leaders, raising up a team to carry the mission forward.

Kalinga House Vision

To be a Christ-centered home where school-aged girls, who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, find truth, safety, and healing. Through compassionate care, spiritual guidance, and a commitment to growth, we empower these young women to rebuild their lives, embrace their worth, and step confidently into the future with hope and strength, grounded in faith and the love of Christ.

Kalinga House Social Workers

The Social Workers at Kalinga play a vital role in the healing journey of the girls. They are also busy with Case Management and advocacy for the Widows beneficiaries and persons with Diversities in our Abilities Club.

Cristina Espanto Estoque

Cristina Espanto Estoque is one of Hope for the Island’s social workers, serving children, youth, and families in North Siargao through safeguarding support and community-based care. With a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and local government experience in social welfare, Cristina brings a strong foundation in case management, child protection, and psychosocial support, strengthened by ongoing training in areas such as child-friendly spaces, gender-based case management, and humanitarian child protection.

Jerome C. Humawan, RSW, MPA, MFC

Jerome Humawan, RSW, MPA is one of Hope for the Island’s social workers, bringing extensive experience in child welfare and family support. He previously served with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in roles focused on case management and youth development, and most recently supported Hope for the Island as a Senior Residential Social Worker providing trauma-informed assessment, counseling, safeguarding support, and family-centered case planning.

Nikka Angela Bernal-Batingana, RN, MBA

Nikka Angela Bernal-Batingana, RN, MBA serves as Hope for the Island’s In-House Registered Nurse, supporting the health and well-being of the children, youth, and team across our ministries—including Kalinga House. She provides basic health assessments and first aid support, helps strengthen wellness and safeguarding practices, and coordinates care when higher-level medical attention is needed. Beyond clinical care, Nikka also supports ministry operations, communications, and program coordination—helping ensure our work is both compassionate and well-organized.

Connect with Hope for the Island

Email us hello@kalingahouse.org here
or fill out our contact form below:

Learn more about how you can support the ministries of Hope for the Island, including Kalinga House.

Interested in volunteering?

You can support us through financial donations or by requesting to come along to volunteer with us.

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