A third are the initiatives taken by the national government since 1987 to promote historical awareness and encourage research through agencies such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts the National Centennial Commission and the National Historical Institute. By providing direction and financial assistance toward cultural awareness and historical research these agencies have encouraged and enabled local groups and institutions to do their part. The series of national Centennial celebrations under government sponsorship in particular have stimulated and inspired new interest among the people to study and promote local history.