[3] Santa Cruz was formerly known as Talabasi during the precolonial era.

Santa Cruz was created as a pueblo during the Spanish regime.

During the American regime, it became a part of Mamburao as a barrio, along with Paluan and Abra de Ilog.

On April 1, 1949, Santa Cruz was created as a municipality once again, by virtue of Executive Order 210, signed by president Elpidio Quirino.

Poverty incidence of Santa Cruz Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Municipal council (2013 – 2016):