The Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development Inc. (FRLD) is a non-stock non-profit, non-governmental organization that traces it roots to a group of men and women who has undertaken and led the successful implementation of various undertakings to address the inefficiencies and problems plaguing the agribusiness sector. This includes: Dulce I. Gozon, Antonio V. Roces, Angelito M. Sarmiento, Rosalino G. Perez, Manuel B. Iguall, Franklin M. Panahon, and Miguel R. Unson. Their work is carried out through networking and alliances with various organizations including regional chambers of commerce, industry associations, federations and cooperatives, and government line agencies. At present, it is at the frontline of development of the Philippine agribusiness sector.

To strengthen the role of the private sector in nation building, the group behind FRLD focused their attention and efforts on the plight of the marginalized farmers. With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the group took on the problems of information dissemination in the agricultural marketing system. The result was the Market Information Dissemination (MARID) Project, which address the lack of timely, relevant, and accessible market information for rural farmers and entrepreneurs. Through MARID, findings of workshops, studies, and consultative meetings were published and broadcast to the different sub sectors in the agribusiness community.

The success of MARID paved the way for the formalization of the FRLD organization in 1991. Since then, and until the completion of the USAID funding support in 1996, the foundation's role has evolved and expanded to a multidimensional extent. Over the years, it has gathered a wealth of data; insights, experiences, and associates that help it provide continues support to both the government and private sector in implementing development programs and projects. The company's thrusts include market development, market linkage, market promotions, market information dissemination, and entrepreneur-ship development.

The services provided by the FRLD fall under a triumvirate of project modules, namely: MARID, Market Linkage and Development (MARTLINK), and Market Promotion. The MARID continues to provide relevant and well-package market information utilizing the broadcast and print media. It publishes monthly MARID Agribusiness Digest, which was awarded the Agricultural Magazine of the Year in tow consecutive years by the Philippine Agricultural Journalist. The MARTLINK promotes agribusiness investment in the countryside and more vertical integration within the agribusiness sector. Under this component, the FRLD conducts comprehensive market assessments using the rapid marketing appraisal technique and feasibility studies. The MARTPROM promotes competitive Philippine agri-based products in the global market through the organization of the national and international agribusiness fairs and exhibits. FRLD offers it services to government agencies, private sector, cooperatives and other organizations engaged in agricultural development activities.

Mission
Create sustainable income opportunities by encouraging effective linkages between small enterprises and large corporations as well as providing other support mechanisms such as management and technical expertise.

Vision
Higher quality of life as influenced by the availability of appropriate support infrastructures leading to more investments in productive enterprises and evidenced consumer spending for manufactured goods.

Objectives
Assist in the overall development of the agribusiness sector for the small and medium scale industries through creation of market opportunities.

Assist in the creation of a healthy policy environment conducive to free enterprise through an established strong policy advocacy network.

Provide management and technical assistance in the areas of business development, agro-processing, project feasibility studies and other business endeavors.

Expertise
FRLD has experience and provides expertise in the following areas:

• Agribusiness
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Soils-Economics
• Agronomy and Horticulture
• Rapid Marketing Appraisal
• Research, Training and Extension
• Trade Fair and Seminar Organization

For the period 1992 to 1997, the FRLD successfully completed a total of about 2000 projects covering the various phases of the project development, academe, industry and non-government organizations for the past five years, which include but is not limited to the following:

Government:
USAID - United States Agency for International Development
DA - Department of Agriculture
DENR - Department of environment and Natural Resources
LBP - Land Bank of the Philippines
ATI - Agricultural Training Institute
DTI - Department of Trade and Industry
TLRC - Technology Livelihood Resource Center
DPWH - Department of Public Works and Highways
DAR - Department of Agrarian Reform
NAPHIRE - National council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources and Development
NDA - National Dairy Authority
BAS - Bureau of Agricultural Statistics
BFAR - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Academe:
UPLB - University of the Philippines at Los Baños
CLSU - Central Luzon State University UA&P - University of Asia and the Pacific

Private Sector/Nongovernmental Organizations:
University of Asia and the Pacific Foundation
Ugnayan Tulong sa Pilipinas Foundation
Nestle Philippines
Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Association
Philippine Association of Supermarkets
Balintawak and Divisoria Trades
San Miguel Foods
Federation of Cutflowers, and Ornamental Plant Growers Association
Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators
Cattle Feedlot Association of the Philippines
Federation of Cattle Raisers of the Philippines
Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc.
Philippine Seed Industry Association
Philippine Poultry and Livestock Cooperative
Philippine Orchard and Fruit Farmers Association
Philippine Swine Producers Association
San Miguel Packaging Product
Society of Filipino Florist
Chambers of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources