Barangay Lipay

Situated in Santa Cruz, Zambales, Barangay Lipay is one of 25 barangays that make up the municipality within Central Luzon.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay Lipay had a population of 6,446. This made it the 1st largest of 25 barangays in Santa Cruz by population, placing it among the most populous barangays of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Lipay accounted for approximately 10.10% of the total population of Santa Cruz, which stood at 63,839 in the same census year.

The barangay recorded 6,190 residents in the 2015 intercensal count and 6,446 residents in the 2020 Census — a net change of +4.1%, consistent with a growing settlement. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay Lipay as urban, reflecting the density and built-up character of the area.

Santa Cruz is a municipality comprising 25 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay Lipay, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Zambales, which contains 247 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Lipay ranks 18th by 2020 population. Zambales is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

Like every Philippine barangay, Barangay Lipay 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.