Dumarao is very old parish having been founded around the beginning of the 17th century.Until 1668, it was situated where the rivers of Pan-ay and Barbaran met. Thus the name was Barbaran. Afterwards it was change in dumarao, which means "sadness", "house of sorrows",etc. In 1668,the location of the town was transferred to its present site. This site, according to the historian fr. Juan Fernandez was inferior compared to the previous one because of its humidity. However, the missionnaries were after the spiritual welfare of the natives, not their own comport.
The Agustinian Fathers officially receive Barbaran in 1581 but later on returned ot to the Bishopric. In 1617, the Agustinians wanted to administer this parish;but their desire was frustrated. However, in 1619 they initiated the exchanged of Barbaran (Dumarao) with Aclan (Kalibo); and in 1620 the agreement was signed according to the parish priest of Barbaran, Don Manuel Vargas, should go to Aclan.
