Employment is expected to pick up in 2015, with the Philippines’ business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing and retail sectors continuing to lead job creation, according to the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop).

However, the organization remains cautious about the general job outlook due to slower economic growth in 2014. The government continues to struggle with job creation following a 6 percent job growth in October this year, according to Ecop president Edgardo Lacson.

While the economy added about 1.05 million jobs up to October, the country’s unemployment rate remains the highest in Southeast Asia. Lacson said that investments in manufacturing, agribusiness and tourism are important to sustain gains in job creation.

Ecop expects more jobs in 2015 because of government and private infrastructure projects. Lacson also expects the 2016 elections to boost spending and employment. He believed the mining industry should be revived because it created the most jobs in rural areas.