KONSULADO PANLAHAT NG PILIPINAS CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Tel. No. (312) 332-6458 30 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2100

Fax No. (312) 332-3657 CHICAGO Chicago, Illinois 60602

PRESS RELEASE

No. _13-10_

FILIPINO-AMERICAN RECEIVED THE HIGHEST AWARD

FROM THE ILLINOIS CPA SOCIETY (ICPAS)

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago congratulated Mr. Edilberto

C. Ortiz, Filipino-American Managing Partner of the E.C. Ortiz & Co. LLP (a

wholly owned and managed public accounting limited liability partnership), after

he was bestowed the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award given

this year to a member of the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS). The Illinois CPA

Society has about 25,000 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) members.

First Row (from L to R): Natasha Philips, Cathy Link, Claire Sashi, Erwin Ortiz, Ed Ortiz, Carmin Ortiz, Maria Ortiz,

Elvira Santos. And Aurora Mangahas. Second Row (from L to R): Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim and Mrs.

Fidelis Herrera-Lim, Lielani Rodrigo, Beulah Castro, Virginia Santos, Jennifer Roan, Marites Sy, Gilda Belmonte, Art

Dilay, Naty Dilay, and Stella Santos. Last Row (from L to R): Deputy Consul General Orontes Castro and George

Wiley

The award was given to Mr. Ortiz at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. Mr. Lee

A. Gould, Immediate Past Chairperson of the Illinois CPA Society mentioned that

the award was given to Mr. Ortiz in recognition of his significant contributions to

the Accounting Profession and the Illinois CPA Society and for establishing one

of the successful and big public accounting companies not only in the State of

Illinois but in the entire United States.

In accepting the award, Mr. Ortiz said that “I was not born of privilege, and

as such I had to work to support myself through college. I am glad I became a

member of the CPA profession, one that has provided opportunities and

experiences that helped me build a diverse CPA firm with goal of providing

outstanding services to our clients.”

Consul General Leo M. Herrera-Lim said that “Mr. Ortiz has brought

tremendous honor not only to himself and his family but to our country and

kababayans by proving that Filipinos can be successful in a truly competitive

environs and gain the respect and admiration of their peers. Mr. Ortiz is truly one

of the best Filipinos in the U.S.”

The awarding ceremony was also attended by about 200 guests and

members of the Illinois CPA Society, Mr. Ortiz’ wife and children, Consul General

Leo M. Herrera-Lim and Mrs. Fidelis C. Herrera-Lim, Filipino-American partners

of the E.C. Ortiz & Co. LLP, and Deputy Consul General Orontes V. Castro.

From L to R: Mr. Ed Ortiz and his Filipina American partners Jennifer Roan, Gilda Belmonte, Stella Santos, Leilani

Rodrigo, and Maritess Sy

Chicago, 16 June 2010