Barangay Poblacion South

Classified as a mid-sized barangay, Barangay Poblacion South is one of the administrative divisions of Santa Cruz in Zambales, Central Luzon, Philippines.

According to the 2020 Philippine census, Barangay Poblacion South had a population of 3,705. This made it the 4th largest of 25 barangays in Santa Cruz by population, placing it in the upper half of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Poblacion South accounted for approximately 5.80% of the total population of Santa Cruz, which stood at 63,839 in the same census year.

Between the 2015 and 2020 censuses, the population of Barangay Poblacion South changed from 3,437 to 3,705, a shift of +7.8% over the five-year period. This places the barangay among those with growing populations in Santa Cruz. Barangay Poblacion South is officially classified 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 Poblacion South, 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 Poblacion South ranks 48th 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.

Barangay Poblacion South is governed by an elected Sangguniang Barangay composed of a Punong Barangay and seven kagawads, with the Sangguniang Kabataan representing the youth. The next BSKE, set for Monday, November 2, 2026, will elect officials to four-year terms as provided under Republic Act No. 12232.