The founding of Manaoag, a four-century old municipalityof Pangasinan which is often referred as the Catholic Mecca in this part of Luzon is closely linked with the activities of the early Christian Missionaries who arrived in the Province in 1574.

Early historical records tell us that the place began as a small settlement of Cawili, now the town of San Jacinto, by the banks of Baloquing Creek in early 1600.

Some years later, a Christian Mission was established by the Augustinian Fathers, which was originated and regarded as the Mission of Sta. Monica with Fr. Tomas Jimenez, O.P. as the first resident Priest.

This first Christian settlement was often subjected to the depredations of enemy mountain tribes lying waste the settlement whenever they attacked. Moved by this concern for the safety of the setters, Fr. Jimenez transferred settlements across the river to what is now believed to be the present site of the Poblacion.

Being devout advocate of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Dominican Fathers who succeded the Augustinians placed the settlements under the Virgin under the title "QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY." Accordingly, Fr. Jimenez began building a chapel of light materials for the relocated community and its altar, placed the image of the Lady of Manaoag.

Traditional tell us that not long after, the Holy  Blessed Mother showed herself to a middle-age farmer and gave him the message on where she wanted her church to be located. The meeting was dramatic. She showed herself on a low tree amidst the glow of a heavenly light. It is said the man was on his way home from a grueling day in his farm. Foremost in his mind of course, was his family. He worried about his home and his crops, which he knew, would be held laid waste anytime the raiders came for another depredation. Faced with his hopeless prospect, he sorted to the wellspring of his faith. He had full trust and faith in the goodness and mercy of God and in the protection offer by the Heavenly Mother. These thoughts came to him. He signed resignedly to the Virgin Mary and somehow his fears vanished as he continuedhis slow pace homeward. As he followed the path from the hill in the deepening dusk, he became aware of the mysterious light coming from somewhere. He turned his gaze to the lighted tree nearby. Instantly, he recognized the radiant face of a woman holding an infant in her arms. Unable to grasp the significance of the Phenomenon and overcome by superstitions, he wanted to run. In a moment of hesitation, he heard a sweet voice called out his name, stood transfixed at the smiling face of the mysterious lady continued in her singularly sweet voice. "Son I want a church here in my honor. My children shall receive many favors in this place." It could be surmised that such joy from that extraordinary experience would not remain locked for long in  the breast of the man, but would overflow to others. Concievably upon arriving home he related the story to his family, his friends and neighbors. The story spread like wild forestfore and not long thereafter, droves of people began going to the place to verify to the story of the "Virgin Mary who calls." Pilgrimages to the Lady became regular activity to curius peole who came to offer their devotion and for the reasons. Upon their return back home happy and satisfied, they were asked on their way where they came from, and answered "Dimad Apo Ya Mantatawag." The expression whe translated into English means "From the Lady Who Calls."

In time, the rest of the words in the phrase were dropped and the word "MANAOAG" which was then derived remained the name of the town. The derivation both in Pangasinenses and Ilocano means "to call."