Barangay Sta. Cruz

Barangay Sta. Cruz is a very large barangay in the municipality of Porac, located in the province of Pampanga, in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay Sta. Cruz had a population of 18,624. This made it the 1st largest of 29 barangays in Porac by population, placing it among the most populous barangays of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Sta. Cruz accounted for approximately 13.23% of the total population of Porac, which stood at 140,751 in the same census year.

Census comparisons between 2015 and 2020 show Barangay Sta. Cruz moving from 17,501 residents to 18,624 residents, an intercensal change of +6.4%. The trajectory indicates a growing community. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay Sta. Cruz as urban, reflecting the density and built-up character of the area.

Porac is a municipality comprising 29 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay Sta. Cruz, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Pampanga, which contains 538 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Sta. Cruz ranks 13th by 2020 population. Pampanga is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

Like every Philippine barangay, Barangay Sta. Cruz is led by an elected Punong Barangay (barangay captain) supported by seven Sangguniang Barangay members (kagawads), an SK Chairperson, a Barangay Secretary, and a Barangay Treasurer. The next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, with officials serving four-year terms under Republic Act No. 12232.