KIDAPAWAN CITY – Despite the troubles they faced over the last 24 years, the 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) is still the strongest and the best unit of the Army in Central Mindanao, as far as Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), is concerned.

Cayton, in an interview, has recognized the significant role the 57th IB has played when the brigade he used to lead in 2007 was chosen as the best in Central Mindanao.

“The 57th IB used to be with the 603rd Brigade. When I was the 603rd commander in 2007, our unit was cited as the best brigade in the Army in Central Mindanao. And that was because the 57th IB did its job well,” said Cayton.

The 57th IB celebrated its 24th foundation anniversary in a simple ceremony on Wednesday, at its headquarters in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Cayton was guest speaker during the anniversary celebrations.

On Monday, the 57th IB has opened for public viewing, especially to high school and college students, its headquarters, including its armaments.

Lt. Andolong Durado, chief of the civil military operations of the 57th IB, said the armaments display, which ended last Tuesday, was meant to entice the young to join the Army.