Dr. Danilo B. Solayao is a distinguished academic leader and educator with a career spanning decades of dedication to quality education, institutional development, and transformative leadership. Holding a doctorate in educational management along with multiple master's and bachelor's degrees, he embodies a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. He began his career as a public school English teacher and has since ascended to influential leadership roles in academia, demonstrating his passion for excellence and his unwavering dedication to shaping the next generation of educators and leaders.

Academic and Institutional Leadership

At Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun), Dr. Solayao has been pivotal in the university’s academic and institutional advancements. He has served in key roles, including the University Research and Community Extension Office Director, University Curriculum and Instruction Office Director, College of Teacher Education Dean, Graduate School Dean, and Vice President for Student Life and Development. Currently, he serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Faculty Selection Board (FSB), where he continues to spearhead academic reforms. One of his most notable achievements was leading PLMun to become the country’s first local university to receive the highest level of accreditation, a milestone that underscores his commitment to quality assurance and institutional excellence.

Contributions to the Educational Landscape

Beyond his university leadership, Dr. Solayao has made remarkable contributions to the broader educational landscape. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE)–NCR and President of the Consortium of Teacher Education Institutions of the South (CoTEIS). His expertise in quality assurance is reflected in his roles as a National Validator for Capacity Development under the DILG-Local Government Academy (LGA), an Assessor for the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and a Senior Accreditor for the Association of Local Colleges and Universities–Commission on Accreditation (ALCU-COA). Recently, he served as a Judge in the "QS Re-imagine Education Awards" by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds in London, UK. Dr. Solayao is also a prolific author and co-author. His latest works include "Unveiling the Challenges of the Contemporary World in the Twenty-First Century" (2024) and "A Contextual Analysis of Selected Readings in Philippine History" (2025).

Awards and Humanitarian Efforts

Dr. Solayao is also deeply committed to service and humanitarian efforts as an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) practitioner, spiritual mentor, and Rotarian. He has championed numerous initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities, from providing scholarships to spearheading outreach programs for literacy among informal settlers. He also supports rehabilitation programs for children in conflict with the law at Bahay Pag-Asa and educational interventions for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Solayao’s extensive contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the "Outstanding Employee of the City Government of Muntinlupa" (2019), the "Gawad Sulo for Eminent Alumni for Advocacy in Teacher Education" (2020) from his alma mater, the Philippine Normal University, the International Education Award for “Distinguished Contribution in the Field of Education” (2021), the "Gintong Parangal for Outstanding Achievements in Education" (2022), the "Asia’s Outstanding Professional Educator Award"(2023), and the “Icons of Change” Award (2025).

Personal Life

On a personal note, Dr. Solayao is married to Dr. Ma. Carmen Dina–Solayao, an Education Program Supervisor in the Department of Education Muntinlupa. Together, they have two sons: Dan Paolo, a Medical Doctor, and Dan Patrick, a Software Engineer. His family remains his greatest source of motivation as he continues his mission of shaping lives through education, leadership, and service.