Manaoag

“Pilgrims Center of the North”

Manaoag began as a small settlement of Cawili, now the town of San Jacinto, by the banks of Baloquing Creek in the early 1600’s. Some years later, the Augustinian Fathers established a Christian Mission which was originated and regarded as the Mission of Sta. Monica. Being devout of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Dominican Fathers who succeeded the Augustinians placed the settlements under the mantle of protection of the “Queen of the Most Holy Rosary”.

It was often believed that a farmer saw a lady with a child, clothed in white in a blinding light showed atop a tree saying in a sweet voice: “Son, I want a church in my honor. My children shall receive many favors in this place”. Immediately upon
arriving home, the farmer related the story to his family, friends and neighbors. The story spread and droves of people began going to the place to verify the story of the “Virgin Mary who calls”. Upon their return home, they were asked where they came from and answered “Dimad Apo Ya Mantatawag”. The expression in English literally mean: “From the Lady Who Call”. Then the term evolved into “Mantawag”.
In both Pangasinan and Ilocano dialects, “Manaoag” means “to call”. Eventually the word “Manaoag”, was derived and remained the name of the town.

Manaoag is often referred to as the Catholic Mecca in this part of Luzon.