Santa Maria was known in Spanish times as Cagbagacay, after a bamboo plant called "bagacay" in the local dialect, which was in abundance in the area.

[5][6] After the People Power Revolution in 1986 which toppled the regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the town was renamed Santa Maria on April 17, 1988, by virtue of Republic Act No.

Three new barangays were added to the municipality: San Isidro, Paroyhog, and Santo Nino.

[7] Situated on the eastern side of Tablas Island, Santa Maria faces the Sibuyan Sea.

Poverty incidence of Santa Maria Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] As a municipality in the Province of Romblon, government officials in the provincial level are voted by the electorates of the town.

Pursuant to Chapter II, Title II, Book III of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991,[22] the municipal government is composed of a mayor (alkalde), a vice mayor (bise alkalde) and members (kagawad) of the legislative branch Sangguniang Bayan alongside a secretary to the said legislature, all of which are elected to a three-year term and are eligible to run for three consecutive terms.