[3] The area of Atok was previously referred to by the natives and Spanish colonizers as Chontog, an Ibaloi word for "mountainous".

Spanish military officials and missionaries arrived at Chontog in 1892, establishing precedencias (tax collection stations) in the area and its surrounding settlements.

[5] The Ibaloi phrase Nay patok shi Chontog, which means "on the mountain top", was later shortened to Atok.

The steep terrain along the Halsema road suited Filipino troops, the Philippine Commonwealth military, and guerrillas to mount ambushes against the Japanese forces.

It is bounded by Kibungan on the north, Kabayan on the north-east, Bokod on the southeast, Tublay on the south-west, and Kapangan on the west.

[9][13] It held formerly the title as the highest point in the Philippine Highway System since World War II until early 2019.

Poverty Incidence of Atok Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Atok, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Benguet, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code.