This Capstone research project addresses the central question: “what are the barriers to access and development of Philippine public libraries?” from the perspectives of Filipino Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals through recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded interview data. Findings reveal crucial factors and broader issues regarding infrastructure development, political support, and the overall status of the LIS field within the Philippines. Thus, this research elevates and validates the professional expertise of Filipino LIS professionals while providing much needed context to the chronic exacerbating issues mentioned in previous literature such as understaffing, underfunding, and decentralization.