KSG NEWS

Reynaldo G. Wycoco (MPA 80) An Institutional Builder and A Man of Peace

(This is an excerpt of the eulogies read by the Harvard-KSG Alumni Association held in the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippines)

General Reynaldo G. Wycoco passed away last December, 2005. He was 59 years old, still young to leave the world of public service.

People consider General Wycoco as an ideal public servant. He helped millions of Filipinos search for justice. Throughout his career in government, he was a patriot committed to excellence. As a soldier, he faithfully defended the country from its enemies. He joined the diplomatic service as military attaché proudly representing his country. As a civilian, his vision and leadership were dedicated in strengthening the institutional capability of agencies he headed, namely, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), a counterpart of the FBI, and the Philippine National Police.

Wykes, as fondly called by his friends, traveled throughout the world to find solutions to high-profile crimes of the 21st century. He actively participated in international conferences on Trafficking of Persons, Interpol, Terrorism, and Intellectual Property Rights. His schooling at the Harvard KSG, London School of Economics, and Philippine Military Academy gave him a balanced perspective of governance, peace and order, and economics.

When he died, millions of Filipinos from all walks of life bid him farewell as a much-loved leader.His counterparts from the United States, Britain, Australia, Singapore, China, and South Africa, among others, poured their sympathy for the loss of a man who successfully promoted international collaboration in fighting crimes. 

It is ironic that a man from the military establishment is foremost a man of peace. Wykes despised conflict, injustice and greed. In his humble and determined way, he calmed people amidst their adversity. He supported people and institutions focused on resolving conflicts and injustice in the country. Wykes defended the disadvantaged especially the women and children. He was not just a peace lover but be was a peacemaker.

As Vice-President of the Harvard KSG Alumni Association, Wykes was very generous with his time in promoting KSG’s role to be a convener of dialogues among stakeholders on controversial polices in the country. He organized golf tournaments to raise the much needed funds for Philippine scholars to KSG

To the alumni who were privileged to share moments with Wykes, we thank him for the legacy he left us - his integrity, kindness, peace and loyalty to his God and country. We will never forget how he loved and lived as the philosopher Voltaire did. We will always remember Wykes constant citation of Voltaire's quote,"You will live in this world but once. Any kindness that you can do or goodness you can show, do or show it now for you will not pass this way again".