The town was then and still at present abundantly with Hagonoy plants nipa, aroma and many other tropical plants. Hagonoy leaves are considered medicinal and can be used as food ingredients. It thrived during that time along seashores.

Because of the medicinal value of the plant, the news of its effectiveness spread leading the people to call the place "Hagonoy".

Hagonoy was already a thriving community even before the "blood compact" between Spain's Lagaspi and Philippines' Sikatuna in 1571. Magat Salamat, a hero in his own right, headed the town. He was descendant of today's Salamat families who are now living in different barrios of this town.

Hagonoy shares its boundary with the towns of Calumpit and Paombong in Bulacan and Masantol in Pampanga province. It is basically a fishing town with the Manila bay areas as its fishing ground, which extends up to the provinces of Cavite, Pampanga and Bataan.

Two fish ports, one in barrio San Pascual and the other at the Poblacion, are the busiest spots in the town. The coastal barrios are virtually "sleepless places" as fishermen go out to the sea at night for hours and even days while their loving wives, children and relatives wait for them. Upon their return, their catch is immediately sorted out and then sold at the public market here. Their catch is also marketed in nearby towns and Metro Manila.

The people of Hagonoy are known to be very hospitable. Visitors' to this place could attest to this especially during fiestas. They are treated with smiles by their hosts as they feast on sumptuous foods, especially prepared.

Yearly fiestas are held in this town to honor their patron saints. Many people of this town hold fiesta observance sacred. They are deeply attached to religion and are faithful to Christian life. Their religiousness is typically shown by the names of their barrios. Of the 26 barrios of this town, 19 were named after saints.